“Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.”
Overview
Advanced Portfolio Development and Art History is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills, as well as a historical context for the creation of a personal body of work. This course builds on the Composition and Artist's Practices in 2-D course. Emphasis is placed on self-directed development of personal style for presentation, both for in-class critiques and a portfolio. The history of art is investigated and a midterm and final exam is administered. This is an advanced course for students who are interested in pursuing a sequential art education in Westfield High School.
This course takes the students through centuries of art history as they continue to develop and refine the skills needed to create and appreciate fine and practical arts. Students make informed critical and aesthetic judgments, create works of art for their portfolio, and understand the historic and cultural influences of art.
The goal of Advanced Portfolio Development and Art History is to prepare Westfield High School seniors interested in majoring, minoring or continuing in the field of art. Students become artistically informed and reflect on the nature of human involvement in art as a viewer, creator and participant. Students are made aware of career and vocational options and are guided in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for the attainment of their goals.
Topics
Portfolio Development Critique
Art History and visual literacy Process
Artist’s Statement Artistic voice
Photographing + documenting work Personal style
Presentation and exhibition Careers
Grading
Homework
There will be approximately 2 homework assignments per marking period. These assignments will have specific prompts assigned by the teacher and are to be worked on independently at home. Documentation of process is required.
In-class Projects
The portfolio of work you create this year will be self-directed. A proposal must be submitted before each piece, which will then be reviewed together and approved by the teacher. Feedback and recommendations will be discussed. Documentation of process is required.
Assessments + Critique
There is a midterm and final exam in this class. We will also conduct group critiques following each project that is due – participation in critique is strongly encouraged, as well as an essential part of the artistic process!
Studio Habits
Students may earn up to 15 points per 2-weeks based upon their progress and productivity in class, preparedness, work ethic, care and clean up of the workspace and materials.
Academic Integrity
Westfield Academic Integrity Standards
Copying another artist’s work can be a wonderful way to learn, be inspired, get ideas, honor an influence you love, and create something new. All art is a mashup of ideas, and we can all influence and inspire each other, so long as we are creating and sharing from a place of honesty and transparency.
So learn away, but don’t forget to credit your influences!
Classroom Rules & Expectations
Be on time, prepared and ready to work. Use class time well – begin promptly and work until you are told to clean up.
Maintain a positive attitude and be willing to try new things!
Meet deadlines. Make appointments for extra time if necessary or take work home.
Take care of the art materials, tools, and the studio workspace. Clean up after yourself.
Cell phones should remain out of sight during class.
Do not bring Food or Beverages into the workspace.
Zero Tolerance for doing work for other classes.