Grade 9
About Grade 9 Art
This course offers an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials through working with a range of materials, processes, techniques, and styles. They will learn and use methods of analysis and criticism and will study the characteristics of particular historical art periods and a selection of Canadian Art and the art of other cultures.
Art History
Since the dawn of civilization, art has had a massive impact on the word around it. During the Grade Nine course we focus on the history from the prehistoric times all the way to the Greeks and Romans, covering thousands of years in between. Students will look at pieces that are pivotal in history and what their impacts and inspirations were. Students will also learn about the importance of the number "three" and what makes it pivotal and dynamic in art past and present.
Shape, Form and Space
Carving "The Talisman"
After looking at the basic elements of art, students are able to put their knowledge of lines and contour to the test by transforming their 2 dimensional drawings into a 3-D carving. The carving must be of an animal with a lucky number hidden somewhere on their body. This assignment is based on the Venus of Willendorf talisman from Paleolithic times.
Sympathetic Magic
Graphite Grid Drawing
Students learn the technique of grid drawing by drawing a portrait of themselves from the past, with a symbol representing what they want from the future. This assignment is based on the practice of "sympatheic magic" from Prehistoric times.
Electric Cartouche
Acrylic Painting
While looking at hieroglyphics, students learn the importance of colour schemes and painting accuracy. This painting also gives the opportunity to look at Indigenous Canadian Art and explore the meaning of symbolism. Students draw their spirit animal, then stretch and stylize hieroglyphs to spell their name inside the animal. This assignment is based on Ancient Egyptian artwork.
Green Awareness Poster
Pencil Crayon Drawing
This project explores the life cycle of consumer products, from the country they're created in, to the landfills they end up in. Design principles such as balance, emphasis, rhythm and harmony will be vital to creating a captivating poster that sheds light on environmental issues new and old.
Notebook Sketches
Mixed-Media
Sketchbooks include not only art history and theory notes, but also coloured symbols that represent a theoretical or historic concept the student is learning. Studio-based art thumbnail sketches and worked-up sketches should also be completed in the sketchbook (according to expectations).
Process is as important as product in our art class.
Students are encouraged to add colour and creativity to everything they put into their sketchbook.