Course Plan: Visual Art for Grade 7
Introduction
Welcome to Grade 7 Visual Art! In this engaging and interactive course, students will explore the fundamental principles and elements of design through various artistic mediums. This course is designed to foster creativity, enhance critical thinking, and build technical skills in visual arts. Students will complete project-based lessons that encourage them to experiment with drawing, collage, mixed media, and sculpture. By the end of this course, students will have a robust portfolio showcasing their understanding of visual art concepts.
Course Goals
- Develop an understanding of the principles of art and elements of design.
- Cultivate creative thinking and problem-solving skills through artistic processes.
- Gain hands-on experience in various mediums: drawing, collage, mixed media, and sculpture.
- Enhance visual literacy and appreciation for diverse artistic styles and cultures.
Course Aims
- To familiarize students with key art concepts, including line, color, shape, form, space, texture, value, balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, and rhythm.
- To encourage self-expression and individuality through personal art projects.
- To develop skills in critique and collaboration through peer feedback and group projects.
- To foster an appreciation for the role of art in society and its cultural significance.
Course Modules and Lessons
Module 1: Introduction to Art Concepts
Lesson 1: What is Art?
- Overview of art definitions and significance.
- Discussion on personal connections to art.
Lesson 2: Elements of Design - Introduction
- Introduction to the 7 elements: line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color.
- Simple exercises exploring each element.
Module 2: Principles of Art
Lesson 3: Understanding Principles of Art
- Introduction to balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.
- Group discussion on how principles guide artistic creation.
Lesson 4: Line and Space
- Exploring lines and creating compositions that use space effectively.
- Project: Create a line drawing emphasizing foreground and background.
Module 3: Drawing Techniques
Lesson 5: Observational Drawing
- Techniques for drawing from life.
- Project: Still life composition.
Lesson 6: Exploring Shape and Form
- Transitioning from 2D shapes to 3D forms.
- Project: Create a 3D object using basic geometric forms.
Module 4: Color Exploration
Lesson 7: Color Theory Basics
- Understanding the color wheel, primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
- Color mixing exercises.
Lesson 8: Emotion Through Color
- Exploring how color affects mood.
- Project: Create a color palette and paint an abstract piece.
Module 5: Collage and Mixed Media
Lesson 9: Introduction to Collage
- History and examples of collage in art.
- Project: Create a themed collage using magazine cutouts.
Lesson 10: Mixed Media Techniques
- Introduction to mixing different materials and techniques.
- Project: Create a mixed media artwork combining drawings, collage, and paint.
Module 6: Sculpture Fundamentals
Lesson 11: Introduction to Sculpture Materials
- Overview of materials used in sculpture (clay, wire, paper mache).
- Hands-on material exploration.
Lesson 12: Creating Sculptures from Recyclables
- Using found objects to create sculptures.
- Project: Design a sculpture from recyclable materials.
Module 7: Cultural Perspectives in Art
Lesson 13: Art Across Cultures
- Introduction to various art styles from around the world.
- Discussion on cultural significance in art.
Lesson 14: Collaborative Cultural Project
- Forming groups to research and create artworks inspired by different cultures.
- Group presentation at the end of the module.
Module 8: Art Critique and Reflection
Lesson 15: Introduction to Art Critique
- Understanding the elements of art critique: description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.
Lesson 16: Peer Review Session
- Students present their artwork and receive constructive feedback.
- Discussion on how critiques can improve our art practice.
Module 9: Building a Portfolio
Lesson 17: Portfolio Basics
- Understanding the importance of a portfolio in the art world.
- Criteria for selecting works to include.
Lesson 18: Assembling the Portfolio
- Students curate their artworks into a cohesive portfolio.
Module 10: Final Projects and Exhibitions
Lesson 19: Choosing a Final Project Topic
- Students select a topic that interests them for their final project.
Lesson 20: Project Workday
- Hands-on workshop for students to develop their final projects.
Lesson 21: Preparing for Exhibition
- Learning to present and prepare artworks for public display.
Lesson 22: Class Exhibition Day
- Students showcase their final projects and portfolio to peers, family, and staff.
Module 11: Art Reflection and Evaluation
Lesson 23: Reflective Journaling on Artistic Growth
- Students reflect on their journey through the course.
- Writing prompts for self-assessment.
Lesson 24: Course Evaluation and Feedback
- Gathering feedback on the course as a whole.
- Discussion on areas for improvement and future learning.
Additional Lessons (for Modules 5 through 11)
Lesson 25: Environmental Art
- Exploring the topic of art with nature and environmental themes.
Lesson 26: Digital Art Techniques
- Introduction to basic digital art tools and techniques.
Lesson 27: Experimental Art Practices
- Encouraging students to explore the unconventional.
Lesson 28: Art as Activism
- Discussion on how artists can use their work to promote social change.
Lesson 29: Guest Artist Presentation
- Inviting a local artist to discuss their work and artistic process.
Lesson 30: Final Review and Portfolio Showcase
- Recap of course content, final advice, and a showcase of portfolios.
Conclusion
By taking this course, students will not only enhance their artistic skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the various forms of visual expression. Through engaging projects and collaborative learning, they will develop confidence in their creative abilities and their understanding of the visual arts. Let’s embark on this artistic journey together!