7th Grade Begins Monochromatic S-P Painting

The 7th grade 2-D class learned about the art and methods of Chuck Close. One of Close's most prominent techniques is the use of a grid to create large scale portraits. This served as an introduction to the students using a grid to draw their own self-portraits from a photograph. We went from there to talking about value and working with a monochromatic (one color) palette.
Each student chose one color with which to create a wheel of tints (color+white) and shades (color+black). They will continue to work with this color of acrylic paint in addition to black and white as they paint over their self-portrait drawings to create a monochromatic self-portrait painting.

The first sketchbook due date for this class will be Tuesday, September 2nd. Students will turn in their sketchbooks for feedback on this day. They should have a minimum of 6 complete drawings by that time.

Below are the criteria upon which the sketchbook will be graded for this check:


Does the student have at least 6 complete full-page drawings? 3 2 1

3 = You have at least 6 full-page drawings. These drawings demonstrate a skill level equal to, or greater than what you have shown in class.

2 = You have 6 drawings, but a few drawings are incomplete or do not show your best effort.

1 = You have less than 6 complete drawings, and/or you have many drawings that do not show your best work.

Are there at least 3 clearly marked life drawings? 3 2 1

3 = You have at least 3 clearly marked life drawings. These drawings include shading and show evidence that you have used drawing concepts from class.

2 =You have at least 2 clearly marked life drawings. These drawings include shading and show evidence that you have used drawing concepts from class.

1 = You have fewer than 2 clearly marked life drawings, and/or the drawings do not show your best effort.


Do the drawings demonstrate use and understanding of the concepts taught in this course? This includes both themes and drawing techniques. 3 2 1

3 = All of the drawings in your sketchbook demonstrate use and understanding of the concepts taught in this course.

2 = Most of the drawings in your sketchbook demonstrate use and understanding of the concepts taught in this course.

1 = Very few or none of the drawings in your sketchbook demonstrate use and understanding of the concepts taught in this course.


Final Score= ________ X 12=____________
Total Points Final Score

6th Grade Begins Life Drawing Unit

The sixth grade visual arts classes have started their life drawing unit. They have experimented with the different grades of drawing pencils. They should know the difference between a B and a H pencil. Students also practiced four different types of shading, as well as gaining a better understanding of the importance of value and proportion.
Our first drawing project is almost finished. Students have completed a self-portrait drawing using a half of a photograph as a reference for proportion and value.
Tomorrow 6th graders will have an introduction to the critique and reflection process that will become a regular part of our working process. Our first critique will be a practice run using photos of work by students who are not in the class. Then, we will move on to use the student's self-portrait drawings for the next critique.

08-09 Yearbook Staff Application

Below is a copy of the application to be a member of the ACMS yearbook staff. This is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. We will have an informational meeting this Wednesday at 1:20. Students who wish to be on this year's staff must submit completed applications by Monday, August 25th. The completed application will also include two teacher referrals. The forms for these referrals will be given to interested students on Wednesday.

Student Application for The Eye 2008-09,
The ACMS Yearbook

This completed application must be returned to Mr. Edmison by Monday, August 25th

First and Last Name:

Advisor:

Class:



All yearbook staff members must be committed to being a part of all facets of the yearbook production process. This will involve fundraising, writing, photography, page layout, advertising, and sales. Yearbook staff members must be available to meet every Wednesday at 1:20 for the first two terms, as well as 8AM morning meetings to be held on Tuesday and Thursday as needed.


I understand and agree to the requirements for the ACMS yearbook staff.


__________________________________________ _____________________
Student Signature Date



The second part of your application consists of a 100-word essay. This essay may be typed or hand written. It should be your own work and exemplify your best writing skills.
Your essay should address the following questions.

Why do you want to be on the yearbook staff?

Understanding that you will be expected to help with all aspects of yearbook production, which aspect is most interesting to you?

What past experiences have you had that would make you a valuable member of our yearbook staff? (i.e. fundraising, publications, computer proficiency, writing, etc.)

Sketchbook Guidelines

Every student in visual arts class received his or her sketchbook as of last Friday. This is a required component of the course. Below is a copy of the sketchbook assignment guidelines that we went over in class.

Sketchbook Guidelines

All Art students are required to complete at least two full-page sketches per week.
You should have at least twenty-four sketches by the end of the session.

At least ten of these sketches should be from life. Life drawings are drawn from what the artist sees. They may be portraits, landscapes, animals, or still-lives. They should always be drawn while looking at something from real life. You may also use photographs as models for your life drawings.

The rest of your drawings may include abstracts, cartoons, master copies and other subjects that do not involve the direct observation of subjects from life.

Required Life Drawings

-A page of drawings of your hand
-At least 3 full page portraits (These may be of yourself, another person, or an animal.)
-2 still-life drawings

The subjects for the remaining four life drawings are up to you, but remember that they must be from observation.

2007 and 2008 ACMS yearbooks are still available!

Just in case you missed it-
We still have a limited number of copies of both the 2007 and 2008 ACMS yearbooks.
Please see Mr. Edmison if you would like to purchase a copy of either of these books at a discounted rate.

2007 yearbooks are $4.00.

2008 yearbooks are $25.00.

Get them while they last! All proceeds will go to help pay for the production of the 2009 yearbook.

* A hard copy of this letter was sent home with students on 8/11.

ACMS
Visual Arts
Jacob Edmison, Instructor
jedmison@atlantachartermiddle.com
(678) 904-0051


August 11, 2008

Dear ACMS Parents,

I am excited to be here for my third year as the ACMS Visual Arts Instructor! We will begin two different art courses this week. The sixth grade visual arts course will provide students with a chance to explore many facets of the art world. The first session of seventh grade art will focus on two-dimensional art and design.
One important element of our art program is the student sketchbook. This sketchbook will be an artifact, which the students will be able to use to reflect upon their artistic journeys. It will provide them with a tangible and readily accessible record of their growth. The sketchbook will also travel between home and school, allowing parents a chance to witness their child’s artistic development. We will discuss a variety of ways for students to use their sketchbooks including sketching, planning, and journaling. Students will be required to complete at least two full-page drawings per week. At least ten of these will be drawings from life. It is my hope that this will become a habit for my students long after their twelve-week session has ended.
We have arranged to purchase these sketchbooks for $8.00 each. This year, we will also offer a thinner version of this sketchbook for $6.00. The larger sketchbook has 110 pages, while the smaller has 80. Both books have high quality drawing paper and a hard cover. The sketchbook is the only required supply for this course aside from a pencil. All visual arts students should bring either six or eight dollars to purchase their sketchbooks by Friday, August 15, 2008.
I will occasionally need parent volunteers to help with special events such as art shows, field trips, and projects. If you would like for me to contact you when these needs arise, please email me at jedmison@atlantachartermiddle.com with your name and contact information.
I would like to take this occasion to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your children. It’s going to be a great year!


Sincerely,


Jacob Edmison,
ACMS Visual Arts Teacher