Art
Visual and Media Art in Middle School
In grades 6-8 students will build upon their elementary visual art and design work. Art is scheduled for the equivalent of ten weeks in each grade. Units of study over grades 6-7-8 cumulatively provide the foundation for the full year HS Graduation Credit courses of Studio Art & Design and Media Art & Design. Creative career exploration, critical analysis and interpretation of visual content, art history and culture exposure and use of digital media for research, art making and self-expression are prevalent each year. Sketchbook assignments for practice and reinforcement of concepts and techniques support the classroom experience.
NYS Learning Standards Links
Art 6
The main units of study in grade 6 are:
Composition: developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design and to organize visual information
Animation/Film Video: storyboard, moving images to deliver a message
Observational Drawing: with a focus on contour and gesture line drawing
3D Design: with focus on ceramics building clay forms focused on relief
Art 7
Units of study in grade 7 art include:
Color Theory & Painting: applying color theory relationships to compositions using watercolor and/or tempera media
Observational Drawing: with a focus on value rendering
3D Design: with a focus on sculpture using non-ceramic media
Digital Photography: composition, rule of thirds, effects of light and shadow
Art 8
Units covered in grade 8 art include:
Illusion of Depth: involving linear and atmospheric perspective techniques.
Human Proportion: with focus on capturing accurate facial and figure proportions
Graphic Design: focus on 2D design layout, typography & image commercial messaging
3D Design: Creating sculptural form in the round using clay as a medium.
Accelerated Studio Art & Design
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and a grade of A in 7th grade Art
Studio Art & Design, a high school foundation level course, that develops creative problem solving skills, incorporates a wide variety of art and design units, including color theory, composition, observational drawing, sculpture, and digital media (graphic design, photography, film.etc). Exposure to art history, contemporary art, art criticism techniques and careers in art & design enhance the program. Studio Art & Design is required of all students planning a high school Arts Pathway or Advanced Regents 5 unit sequence, and it satisfies the fine arts high school graduation requirement. Admission is by teacher recommendation based on overall performance in grade 7 art including, work habits, technical skills, creative problem solving, overall achievement. Students are notified of the recommendation for Studio Art before the end of June. Accelerating in visual art commits a student into the next sequence course Drawing & Painting, scheduled in grade 9. Studio Art & Design is taken in addition to the mandated 10 week grade 8 Art, and may be scheduled before the school day for students wishing to maintain a music performing group in their schedule.