Sierra Middle School
Riverside, California
(951) 788-7501

Mr. J. Myers
Art Teacher
[email protected]

http://www.rusd.k12.ca.us/ourschools/sms/

Date assigned: 17 September 2007
Date Due: 26 September 2007

General Class Objectives

Watercolors

Goal:
      The student will paint original ideas complete with backgrounds following the presentations and turn in work properly labeled with their full name, date, and period number on the lower, back, right-hand corner of each paper.

Special note:  Be sure to always refer to the posted examples of student and professional work.  There are many different ways to use watercolors and you are only experiencing a small portion of that which is available to learn.  I hope that you will explore this inexpensive art medium more fully on your own time.
      Remember that a watercolor painting is more effective if one leaves about 25% to 33% of the paper plain white.  Don't just paint over everything!  Also, don't use pure color, be sure to dilute it with water.  If the dried painting is sticky, you probably used too much paint.

Materials:
            watercolor set               #12 brush               pen               pencil            crayons
                                     various sizes of paper              clean water

Steps:
1.)    Your first part of the assignment is to paint a picture using three (3) different techniques.  Remember that these techniques were demonstrated and are posted.  They are:
              wet on wet                 wet on dry                pen, pencil, crayon, felt pen and so on          
              exacto blade             sandpaper               masking tape                 dry brush
The idea is for you to create a picture while learning different ways of using watercolors.  In selecting an idea of something to paint, I ask you to "paint some thing, some where".  This portion of the project is to take the rest of one period in planning and setting up to paint and the next period to paint it.  That is all the time there is.  Take it and DO IT.

2.)  The second part of the assignment's painting is to copy the process that I have shown you in class by using one half of the color wheel's colors in crayons, and the other half's colors in watercolors.  Press really hard when drawing the picture.  Fill 1/2 of the paper with lines.  Be sure to put tons of lines in your subject.  Now use the crayon's opposite color, its complimentary color, in watercolor and paint it with a really vivid, intense, color.  Be sure to leave about 1/2 of the paper clean...DO IT!

3.)  The third part of the assignment is to fold a piece of paper as demonstrated and draw fine lines with a PEN and to paint the pictures in any method desired.  The goal is to paint four, (4), pictures...  DO IT!!

 

4.)  The fourth part of the assignment is to fold another piece of paper, also as demonstrated, and again use fine pen lines to make beautiful, complete, pictures.  The minimum is four pictures, but why not have a contest with another student and see who can get the smallest one!?

5.)  The last day is to finish up loose ends.  Complete all paintings and be sure to put your name, date and then period number on the lower, back, right-hand corner of each painting.  Do this or you will not be able to EARN to the fullest possible mark.

Some of Mr. Myers' work:




Note that there are many lines in the above paintings, but these below don't have many of them.  Why not, you ask?  They are only about 1/4" tall, that's why!

Grading Rubric:

*    Keep in mind that the grade criteria below are a guide to help you become a successful student.  Remember that the absence of some of the paintings will result in a lower grade.

A         All 10 (ten) paintings are turned in and complete.  The paint colors show that mixing happens and the designs are neat and crisp.  You have listed the 3 (three) techniques used on the back of that painting.  Originality of the designs is apparent with many details present.  An “A” is an excellent grade!  This means that you understand the goals desired and have done them well.  You have used your time wisely and understand the project so well that you can, and probably have already, help others to succeed too.

B          Any one area noted here cause an “A” work to become a “B”. The work turned in is correctly done but may be a bit sloppy.  The paint may not be clear, as some colors may show poor control in that their final hue is “muddy”.  Only a few details are shown with little variety in the selection of color. A “B” is a good grade, but some few areas need additional work.  You are probably able to help others to achieve “A” quality work even if you yourself have not.

C         The work shows not just ONE but several areas of concern as noted above.  The general quality of the painting is "OK" but not that neat and controlled.  The design may be flat with little visual depth.  Your picture's content may be sitting on the bottom of the picture plane.  You may not even have all of the work done.  A “C” is an average grade, not great, but not poor either.  Try to do better next time.  You probably aren’t sure how to improve your work and will need to talk to others to see how it can be improved or may even have to try to talk to the teacher.

D         This grade means that the work does NOT show much control with the materials.  This probably means that many paintings aren't done or are very poor in quality, the paper should NOT be covered 100% with paint, a  picture or more isn't finished, or that the work is NOT original.  Maybe even ALL of these areas are of concern in your work.  A “D” is a below average grade and should not be earned by you!  While is isn't a failing grade you haven’t done enough work on this, keep going, finish this as soon as you can.  Come after school or at lunch for help.

F          This means that you have NOT done enough to pass; you have FAILED to do as asked.  If you check the directions again and follow the steps in the order listed you will not earn this low grade.  An “F” is a failing grade.  You have earned NO CREDIT for this assignment.  Come after school or to my room at lunch for additional assistance.  You CAN succeed, and I will help you : )

back to top