ABOUT

Welcome to Susquehanna Community H.S.’s Art Page.

We embrace the visual arts, graphic design, illustration….ALL through critical thinking and creative problem solving.

MY PHILOSOPHY: So, I am believing that perhaps I can start blogging my thoughts about education on this site, in the hopes that my students may read my words and get to understand how I teach.

I will not try to teach you to paint like me. I will not try to teach you to draw like me. I WILL try to teach you to THINK like an ARTST. To Create how an Artist Creates. I will try to instruct you on building concepts, to critically think, to organize your approaches and to find your voice. I know you all WISH you could “paint and draw like me”…but you shouldn’t…you should paint and draw “like you”.

All too often, I encounter teachers or students that take the ‘easy way out’ and keep techniques so closely linked with their Style. Imitate me. Do what I do. “Teach how I was taught” is the chain of education. In today’s culture, it is more imporant to use Art as a means to open communication abilities, to strenghten creativity and allow for the freedom of making decisions. YES- Technique is the core of creating Art, but PERSONA is the VOICE of art. HOW do you teach Persona? How does an educator get you to create with what you believe is the right visual solutions…?

…How does an educator implement a self-desire to ‘learn-how-to-learn”? –because in the end, that is what learning is all about–finding your answers in this crazy world where few people have them for you…it’s your quest.

I ask you all alot of questions. SURE, I will try to lead you there from time to time…talk about composition, a discussion on color decisions…but in the end, each and every one of you will answer your own questions. That is my philosophy. I will NOT do it for you…but I will crack open your door a bit for you to peek in. I will give you the keys, but I might not tell you which one works…try them all…and you’ll never forget.

I am more concerned with your journey then the final destination.
Be a BETTER PERSON when you leave my room–not just a “better artist”.

My procedures are simple: The Three “R’s

R=Respectful, towards your peers, your teacher and YOURSELF!

R=Responsible, for your actions, your decisions and your materials.

R=Reflective, about your art, your inspirations, YOUR life!

If you doubt yourself, ask if what you are doing or about to do is Respectful, Responsible or Reflective…if not, you can make a better choice!

1. Polite non-verbal warning, A.K.A.-The Look

2. Verbal clue…Can we make better choices

3. In-class Group Discussion with Class Involvement.

4. Administration Involvement

Obviously, I will NOT TOLERATE ANY VIOLENCE, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, WEAPONS OR DEROGATORY REMARKS. Behavior as such will result in immediate removal and confrontation with the proper authorities.

It is illegal to inflict harm, possess illegal substances and any form of harassment is against the law. You are young CITIZENS with rights that are not to be abused and as young citizens you are expected to create a fellowship with your peers, family and your educators.

BEHAVIOR

You are expected to be on time. When you arrive late, you disturb the students that are already in class and this behavior is disrespectful towards myself and your peers.

You are expected to arrive ready to work. Physcially, Mentally and Equipped ALWAYS with the very least: Pencil and Paper.

You should remain at your workstation for the period. You will not be dismissed until your area is clean and your supplies are put away.

Profanity will not be tolerated nor will the verbal or physical abuse of another student will not be tolerated.

This includes SELF-ABUSE! I do not allow any self-derogatory remarks reflecting your own work. Your artwork is a reflection of yourself. My classroom is about self-respect and that starts with your artwork!

ART SAFETY

I expect that you respect the tools and materials we use in the art room. You are expected to use supplies for intended use only. Use precautions as directed and there is no tolerance for ‘horseplay’.

If an accident occurs in class, causing physical injury, notify the teacher at once.

ART PARTNER

You are assigned or you will choose an “Art Table” for the term. It is expected that you enable one another to be on task, catch up on missed work, prepare for tests/quizzes and simply work together to improve the efficiency of our class. Remember: Ask your Art-Table first, then ask Mrs. G.

CONSEQUENCES

First and Foremost, follow the procedures in your student handbook!

I do not consider discipline as a means to reinforcement.
We are all young adults, treat others as you would like to be treated.

Aside from the normal grading procedures of projects, homework assignments and test scores I expect students to develop a respectful demeanor towards one another. Art is a direct expression about LIFE and how you perceive it through your senses…and LIFE is a personal perception of how you feel about yourself through the interactions between: you and yourself & you and your peers.

I expect each student to be RESPECTABLE as well as RESPONSIBLE & REFLECTIVE.

“A�? student: Excels in artistic skill and learnings through Projects; Strong work habits; Genuine dedication to art; Goes beyond classroom activities; Contributes to the class; Pays attention and completes homework with much time, enthusiasm and effort; Helps others develop with patience; Very respectful of others and is well respected in the class by peers.

“B�? student: Dedicated to developing artistic skills; Completes homework with effort; Pays attention in class and contributes to discussions; Proficient project work; Very Respectful of others.

“C�? student: Develops knowledge in art appreciation; Some Class Participation; Acceptable project work; Completes some homework assignments; Pays attention in class; Very Respectful of others.

“D�? student: Little development in art appreciation; Little to no class participation; Unacceptable completion of projects and/or homework; Little interaction with others.

“F�? student: No effort in class; Unacceptable project completion; Does not participate in class; Fails to hand in homework; Treats others with Disrespect.

Projects 100 pts.
Exercises 10 pts.
Behavior and Participation 50% of Project Grades

EXTRA CREDIT
In the event of poor attendance, there is EXTRA CREDIT work that can be found here online. I will offer these as bonus points to account for unacceptable work that was produced as a direct result of poor attendance. If there is a need for a long-term absence due to an emergency with family or personal issues, please discuss your options with me as soon as possible. - SEE BELOW:

If you wish to raise your grade, there are several options for Extra Credit which will be listed here for you to choose.

MUSTS:
Essays are 1 page; double-spaced
Typed:12-font Times New Roman
and 1″ border all around

1. Research 3 famous female artists. Discuss in writing the difficulties women artists face. (5pts.)

2. Why should Art remain in public education? (5pts.)

3. How can artists USE other disciplinary areas (ie, math, reading, writing) IN creating ART? (5 pts.)

***
ART I- Previously comprised of Principles and Elements of Art with 07-08 8th grade lesson integration. Strong focus on basic elements and principles of art through color theory, line exploration, composition, design strategies and problem solving skills through critical thinking devices.

ART II- Previously comprised of Drawing and Painting curriculums. Course will strongly unite the skills required to successfully build drawing skills and painting techniques. Drawing and Painting media forms will include: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, oil paint and more. Techniques will include contour line drawing, gestures, subtractive techniques, washes, glazes, procedures, etc.

ART III-Formerly known as Studio-Portfolio Art. Art III is an advanced class that requires previous experience in both Art I and Art II- (school year 08-09, a student must have had a drawing class and painting class). Students must be focused on building a portfolio for collegiate admissions. Seniors must participate in National Portfolio Day in Philadelphia. Weekly Gallery Reports are a requirement.

ART I : PRINCIPLES AND ELEMENTS OF ART
-STUDY: Important elements and principals that are the basis for “good art” making foundations.
-MEDIA: Design and Construction.

ART II : DRAWING & PAINTING
DRAWING: strong focus on development of drawing techniques & skill.
–STUDY: Figure, Still Life, Landscape, Perspective, Studio, Cartooning…
–MEDIA: Charcoal, Pencil, Conte Crayon, Pastel, Ink…

PAINTING:Mixing color, using various mediums, how to start a painting, develop it, working the media and completion.
–STUDY: Techniques, Plein Air, Underpainting, Composition, Color-Wheel Excercises…
–MEDIA: Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil, Mixed Media…

ART III ADVANCED: PORTFOLIO / STUDIO ART: This course was created for those with a desire to continue into collegiate areas of visual arts. The world is growing with technology and this includes the visual arts. We will explore professionalism, research colleges and requirements, work on studio portfolio, create a digitial portfolio, learn about photoshop while working with an iMAC. Heavily independant, must have recommendation.

7th GRADE ART: comparing & contrasting historical art to today’s surroundings.
–STUDY: Impressionism, Optical Art/Measurements, Action Figures Drawing and Facial Maps

10TH GRADE FINE ART’S APPRECIATION!
Mrs. G will be facilitating and arts appreciation for Visual Arts and Theatre.
Be prepared to Watch, Listen, Look, Discuss, Debate, Write and above all Enjoy!
Approach to appreciation for visual arts to be based on our society’s use of the arts as a means for communication. Improv, Simply Design, Charlie Chaplin, Andy Warhol, Cirque De Soleil, and MORE!
-STUDY: Visual Art: Graphic Design, Pop Arts, Illustration; Theater Arts: 5W’s, Improv, Poetry Recitation, History Research PPT/Paper, and Performance Art/Theater