Year 9 Visual Arts Course Plan: Mirror Mirror / Painting
Course Introduction
Welcome to Year 9 Visual Arts, with an emphasis on self-exploration and expression through various artistic mediums. In this course, "Mirror Mirror," students will engage in a creative journey that encourages them to delve into their own narratives and identities through art. The course comprises two major tasks: a ceramic design inspired by personal stories and a self-portrait painting, followed by a skateboard painting that focuses on the human form as inspiration. Through practical projects, students will enhance their artistic skills, develop an understanding of visual communication, and prepare for effective assessment based on the WACE curriculum.
Course Goals and Aims
- Goal: To foster creativity, self-expression, and technical skills in visual arts through diverse projects.
- Aims:
- Develop skills in various artistic techniques and materials.
- Explore personal identity through art.
- Understand the historical and cultural context of visual arts.
- Enhance critical thinking and self-reflection in art-making.
- Evaluate and assess their own work and that of peers.
Course Overview: 40 Lessons
Module 1: Personal Expression Through Ceramics (Lessons 1-20)
Task 1: Ceramic Design on a Personal Story
Lessons 1-5: Introduction to Ceramics
- Learning Intention: Understand the basics of ceramic materials and techniques.
- Success Criteria: Ability to describe types of clay and demonstrate basic hand-building techniques.
- Assessment: Participation in class discussions and practical demonstrations.
Lessons 6-10: Exploring Personal Stories
- Learning Intention: Identify personal narratives and how they can be represented visually.
- Success Criteria: Create a mind map of personal stories that inspire ceramic designs.
- Assessment: Mind map submission and explanation of chosen narrative to peers.
Lessons 11-15: Design Development
- Learning Intention: Create design sketches for the ceramic work.
- Success Criteria: Develop and present three different design sketches.
- Assessment: Design presentation and peer feedback session.
Lessons 16-20: Creating the Ceramic Piece
- Learning Intention: Employ techniques to create a final ceramic piece.
- Success Criteria: Successfully assemble and decorate the ceramic work.
- Assessment: Submission of the ceramic design along with a reflective artist statement.
Module 2: Self-Portrait Painting (Lessons 21-30)
Task 2: Self-Portrait Painting
Lessons 21-25: Understanding Self-Portraits
- Learning Intention: Analyze famous self-portraits and what they communicate.
- Success Criteria: Write a response analyzing one influential self-portrait.
- Assessment: Written analysis submitted for peer review.
Lessons 26-30: Creating Your Self-Portrait
- Learning Intention: Apply painting techniques to create a self-portrait.
- Success Criteria: Complete a self-portrait using techniques explored during the module.
- Assessment: Submission of a self-portrait and a reflective essay on the artistic process.
Module 3: Skateboard Painting (Lessons 31-40)
Task 3: Skateboard Painting Based on the Human Form
Lessons 31-35: Exploring the Human Form
- Learning Intention: Study the human figure through drawing and painting basics.
- Success Criteria: Create a series of sketches that demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy.
- Assessment: Submission of a sketchbook with figure studies.
Lessons 36-40: Designing the Skateboard
- Learning Intention: Develop and execute a skateboard painting.
- Success Criteria: Apply design concepts learned to create a cohesive skateboard artwork.
- Assessment: Presentation of the completed skateboard painting and artist statement.
References
- Chatterjee, A. (2010). The Art of Ceramics: Techniques and Tips for Beginners. London: Art Publishing.
- Herring, R., & Adams, D. (2015). Exploring Self-Portraits in Art History. New York: Art Press.
- Smith, J. (2017). Figure Drawing: A Complete Guide. Chicago: Art House.
- WACE Visual Arts Curriculum Document (2021). Retrieved from WACE Portal
Conclusion
By the end of this course, students will have developed a deeper understanding of their own identities as expressed through visual arts, while simultaneously acquiring technical skills in ceramics and painting. The course will culminate in a reflective assessment that allows students to evaluate their growth and artistic journey.