Drawing & Painting Course - Grosse pointe north high school
Instructor - Mr. Lamb
This is a year-long course designed to introduce students to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing and painting. Students will explore various media, styles, and artistic processes while developing their own creative voice. Emphasis will be placed on observational skills, technical proficiency, and personal expression.
This curriculum should help students build a strong foundation in drawing and painting, develop their personal artistic voice, and feel confident in their creative abilities. Visual references can be shown in class through web links, slideshows, handouts, or book resources.
Course Objectives:
POSSIBLE Materials Used:
This curriculum should help students build a strong foundation in drawing and painting, develop their personal artistic voice, and feel confident in their creative abilities. Visual references can be shown in class through web links, slideshows, handouts, or book resources.
Course Objectives:
- Develop foundational drawing and painting skills.
- Understand and apply principles of design and composition.
- Explore different media and techniques.
- Cultivate personal style and artistic expression.
- Critically evaluate and reflect on artwork.
POSSIBLE Materials Used:
- Sketchbook
- Pencils (graphite, colored)
- Erasers
- Charcoal
- Pastel
- Ink and pens
- Acrylic paint
- Watercolors
- Oil Paint
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Canvas/paper for painting
- Easel (optional but recommended)
- Palette and mixing tools
Quarter 1: Foundations of Drawing
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Week 1-2: Introduction to Materials and Basic Drawing Techniques
Objectives Familiarize students with drawing tools (pencils, erasers, sketchbooks) and basic techniques (contour lines, shading, hatching) Possible Activities
Visual References - Albrecht Dürer - Praying Hands (shows contour lines and value) |
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Week 3-4: Observational Drawing
Objectives Develop skills in observing and accurately rendering still life objects Possible Activities - STILL LIFE DRAWING with simple objects (e.g., cups, fruits, bottles). - Focus on PROPORTIONS, LIGHT, and SHADOW Visual References Paul Cézanne - Still Life with Apples (shows simple object arrangement and shading) |
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Week 5-6: Perspective Drawing
Objectives Understand and apply one-point and two-point perspective Possible Activities - Draw basic geometric shapes in perspective - Create a cityscape using two-point perspective Visual References Leonardo da Vinci’s *The Last Supper* for one-point perspective Gustave Caillebotte’s *Paris Street; Rainy Day* for two-point perspective |
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Week 7-8: Gesture Drawing and Figure Drawing Basics
Objectives Capture the movement and basic proportions of the human figure Possible Activities - Quick gesture drawings from live models or video - Focus on proportion and basic anatomy Visual References Studies by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci for human anatomy and gestures. |
Quarter 2: Introduction to Painting
Week 9-10: Color Theory
Objectives
Learn the basics of color theory, including the color wheel, complementary colors, and color mixing
Possible Activities
- Create a color wheel
- Experiment with mixing primary colors to create secondary and tertiary colors
Visual References
Johannes Itten’s - Color Star, and works by Piet Mondrian (to demonstrate primary colors)
Week 11-12: Acrylic Painting Techniques
Objectives
Introduction to acrylic painting techniques such as blending, layering, and glazing
Possible Activities
- Practice basic techniques on canvas boards
- Create a simple abstract painting focusing on color blending
Visual References
Mark Rothko’s color field paintings for blending techniques
Week 13-14: Landscape Painting
Objectives
Apply color theory and painting techniques to create a landscape
Possible Activities
- Study and sketch landscapes
- Paint a landscape using acrylics, focusing on color harmony and atmospheric perspective
Visual References
Works by Claude Monet and Thomas Cole
Week 15-16: Portraiture Basics
Objectives
Learn the basics of painting a portrait, focusing on proportions, skin tones, and capturing likeness.
Possible Activities
- Sketch and paint a portrait using a limited color palette.
Visual References
Portraits by Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent.
Objectives
Learn the basics of color theory, including the color wheel, complementary colors, and color mixing
Possible Activities
- Create a color wheel
- Experiment with mixing primary colors to create secondary and tertiary colors
Visual References
Johannes Itten’s - Color Star, and works by Piet Mondrian (to demonstrate primary colors)
Week 11-12: Acrylic Painting Techniques
Objectives
Introduction to acrylic painting techniques such as blending, layering, and glazing
Possible Activities
- Practice basic techniques on canvas boards
- Create a simple abstract painting focusing on color blending
Visual References
Mark Rothko’s color field paintings for blending techniques
Week 13-14: Landscape Painting
Objectives
Apply color theory and painting techniques to create a landscape
Possible Activities
- Study and sketch landscapes
- Paint a landscape using acrylics, focusing on color harmony and atmospheric perspective
Visual References
Works by Claude Monet and Thomas Cole
Week 15-16: Portraiture Basics
Objectives
Learn the basics of painting a portrait, focusing on proportions, skin tones, and capturing likeness.
Possible Activities
- Sketch and paint a portrait using a limited color palette.
Visual References
Portraits by Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent.
Quarter 3: Developing Personal Style
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Week 17-18: Exploring Different Media (Watercolors, Ink)
Objectives Experiment with different painting media and techniques Possible Activities - Try watercolors and ink for creating different effects - Create a mixed-media piece combining various materials Visual References Works by Wassily Kandinsky (watercolor) and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (ink) |
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Week 19-20: Abstract Art
Objectives Understand the principles of abstract art and develop a personal approach to abstraction. Possible Activities - Study abstract art and experiment with shapes, colors, and compositions. - Create an abstract painting that reflects an emotion or concept. Visual References Works by Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky |
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Week 21-22: Narrative Art
Objectives Explore how to tell a story through a series of images or a single painting. Possible Activities - Plan and create a painting that tells a story or represents a scene from literature or history. Visual References Norman Rockwell’s narrative paintings |
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Week 23-24: Self-Portrait
Objectives Create a self-portrait that reflects personal identity and style. Possible Activities - Study self-portraits by famous artists. - Create a self-portrait using a medium of choice. Visual References Vincent van Gogh - Self-Portrait and Frida Kahlo - Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird |
Quarter 4: Advanced Projects & Final Portfolio
Week 25-26: Large-Scale Project
Objectives
Work on a large-scale drawing or painting, incorporating techniques learned throughout the year.
Possible Activities
- Plan and execute a large-scale drawing or painting on canvas.
- Focus on composition, technique, and personal style.
Visual References
Works by Georgia O'Keeffe for large-scale compositions.
Week 27-28: Themed Series
Objectives
Create a series of small drawings or paintings paintings based on a theme.
Possible Activities
- Choose a theme and create a series of 5 small drawings or paintings.
Visual References
Series works by Claude Monet (*Water Lilies*), Andy Warhol (*Campbell’s Soup Cans*).
Week 29-30: Peer Review and Critique
Objectives
Develop critical thinking and feedback skills by participating in peer reviews.
Possible Activities
- Present work to classmates.
- Engage in constructive critique sessions.
Visual References
N/A (focus on student work).
Week 31-32: Final Portfolio and Exhibition Preparation
Objectives
Compile a portfolio of the year’s work and prepare for a final exhibition.
Possible Activities
- Select and refine pieces for the final portfolio.
- Prepare and display work for an end-of-year exhibition.
Visual References
N/A (focus on student work)
Objectives
Work on a large-scale drawing or painting, incorporating techniques learned throughout the year.
Possible Activities
- Plan and execute a large-scale drawing or painting on canvas.
- Focus on composition, technique, and personal style.
Visual References
Works by Georgia O'Keeffe for large-scale compositions.
Week 27-28: Themed Series
Objectives
Create a series of small drawings or paintings paintings based on a theme.
Possible Activities
- Choose a theme and create a series of 5 small drawings or paintings.
Visual References
Series works by Claude Monet (*Water Lilies*), Andy Warhol (*Campbell’s Soup Cans*).
Week 29-30: Peer Review and Critique
Objectives
Develop critical thinking and feedback skills by participating in peer reviews.
Possible Activities
- Present work to classmates.
- Engage in constructive critique sessions.
Visual References
N/A (focus on student work).
Week 31-32: Final Portfolio and Exhibition Preparation
Objectives
Compile a portfolio of the year’s work and prepare for a final exhibition.
Possible Activities
- Select and refine pieces for the final portfolio.
- Prepare and display work for an end-of-year exhibition.
Visual References
N/A (focus on student work)