Visual Arts SL

If you’re someone that loves art, wishes to expand your creativity, or has minimal options for classes and doesn’t want to take another science- then this is the class for you! However, there are some things you should know going in, that teachers and coordinators might not tell you.

While Art may not be as stressful as Chemistry or an HL subject, it is still a lot of work. So be sure to go in expecting lots of homework- as most of what you do in class will be explanations and explorations of ideas (meaning you test out materials, tweak things online, but do the bulk of an assignment at home). Though, while you do get explanations in class, sometimes Art instructions may seem unclear- especially if you’re not used to specific terminology or used to the expectations. So make sure you ask lots of questions if you need clarification. Read the rubric! Always! And try to incorporate any and everything you can from the instructions- some teachers post them online and some say them verbally (some do both) so until you figure out what kind of teacher yours is- it's a very good idea to write down what they tell you. If you think you’ll remember everything, 9 times out of 10 you won’t.

1. Always bring your material to class!!! Oftentimes you might go into Art class not knowing what you will be doing that day. Bring your supplies- especially your sketchbook! If you don’t bring the things they gives you for work, then you will be unprepared for class, and unlike English class you can’t just borrow a pen and paper and be on with your day. If you don't have the material you won’t be able to do the work, which means MORE HOMEWORK. You will miss an opportunity to get a head start on potential assignments. So bring your material. Even if it seems unnecessary. Especially your sketchbook. Please do not forget your sketchbook. Even if you end up not using it that day, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Expect to analyze. It may be art class, but this is still IB. And you’re expected to not only analyse other artists' work, such as in your comparative study- which is 20% of your grade but also your own, in what are called Process Screens (remember this name, you’ll be doing a lot of them!). The title is pretty self explanatory. Once you’ve completed a piece, you will be expected to create a screen- basically a slideshow- showing the process of your piece. So take lots of pictures of your art! You will need to show what inspired you- pick a work of an artist to analyse in a paragraph or two on your slide, saying what you like about it (composition, use of line, etc) and how you want to incorporate that into your own artwork. Show the steps you took to explore the medium- markings, thumbnails- and show the steps of your final piece- IB examiners want to see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don’t just give them your polished piece to mark. Make sure you show any changes or revisions made to your artwork, and the steps you took along the way- shading in the background, boxing in objects, etc.

3. Explore. So in order to have everything you need for your process screens- and to have a good looking final piece- explore, explore, explore. It’s not enough to just have an idea and then put it on the final piece. You need to explore texture, draw thumbnails exploring your ideas, and take some time doing it! That being said...

4. Expect challenges. Expect rejection. Maybe you’ve been painting for years, maybe you’ve only started, but regardless, whatever your experience may be, your art teacher will always- ALWAYS- have an opinion on anything that you do. And that’s okay! Your teacher will criticise your work, but it's only because they see so much potential in you. And while it may sting at first- try not to take it personally- they’re not attacking you or your art, just trying to get it to the best possible version of yourself. You might have to redo a painting 17 times at your teacher's request, and it's frustrating. But part of the artistic process is trusting your teacher- they know what they’re doing, and they know how an examiner will think and grade your art. So don’t just hear their advice- use it! Art is fun, but it's not always easy. IB is meant to challenge you in every course, so don’t strive for perfection because you will only disappoint yourself as perfect doesn’t exist- and that advice can be applied to any class, really.

5. Expect a lot. You might be used to only having one assignment at a time, but in art, this is often not the case. You will have multiple projects going on at once- sometimes with several different deadlines. Mark the dates down. Be organised. Plan out what has to be done first and what can wait. And most importantly- chip away at things a little bit at a time. In IB- and Art especially- its so much better to spend 15 minutes a day for a couple of weeks working on something than to try and get it done in two days for 5 hours at a time. Pace yourself.

Which leads me to say that if your art teacher tells you a project should take an approximate certain amount of time- try your best to meet that time. Often, teachers and examiners can tell when a project is rushed. Especially in an art piece.

6. Don’t expect a 7 just because it's Art. Hopefully you’ve realised by now that this class isn’t a “no brainer”. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and patience. It takes even more to succeed. With all of the expectations placed on you from this course and IB, don’t make it harder for yourself by adding more to your plate. A 7 is achievable, but sometimes we have to be realistic with our abilities and accept a 5.

Most importantly, try and have some fun with it. Yes, Art class can bring some stress, but take some joy in the fact that you have to draw a still life for homework as opposed to cramming for a science test. Hope this helps!

All the best of luck.