M3S ART Independent Study Ideas to get you started
Expectations: KEEP AN ART JOURNAL Bring it with you everywhere! Jot down ideas, sketch a scene, doodle a thought, and let your mind wander! All artists keep journals so that they can remember great ideas they have and explore them.
Expectations: WORK INDEPENDENTLY Independent study is exactly what the name says - you study an art form independently! Though it can be fun to do collaborative works with friends, at this time we will be working on our own to develop ourselves as artists in our own right.
Expectations: TAKE IT SERIOUSLY This is a time for you to really delve into an art form that you find personally inspiring! Use class time and your journal and other resources to explore your choice to its fullest extent and really grow as an artist!
Expectations: GRADING You will be graded on progress and growth. Did you explore the art form fully? Did you apply yourself to the best of your ability? Did you use your time wisely in class? Did you plan ahead? See the rubric to learn what is expected.
Expectations: GRADING (continued) There will be “checkpoints” along the way as assignments. These will most likely be in your journal which you will turn in, such as: ➔ Initial drawing of project ➔ Examples of method by other artists ➔ extra credit assignments ➔ etc.
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Examples of middle school art journals:
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Tangle portrait
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Bottle cap diptych (Van Gogh’s Starry Night)
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Paper Vase
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Quilt Square
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Self portrait collage
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Symmetry
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students:
fantastical drawing
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: colored pencil pet portrait
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Self portrait made with fingerprints
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Scribble color theory peace sign
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Tissue paper collage
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Self portrait collage
Some examples of middle school art projects by other students: Pop Art cow
THE PROCESS - STEP 1a RESEARCH Go online, to the library, to a museum, and look at different kinds of art. What speaks to you? What would you like to explore? Which artist(s) do you connect with? Write down the names and take pictures of artists and their work that you enjoy. Print the pictures (in a small format) to put in your journal.
THE PROCESS - STEP 1b BRAINSTORM! Get out your journal and spend 15 minutes writing down ideas of art you’d like to try. Don’t censor yourself, just write anything that comes to mind. After 15 minutes of ideas, you can start to decide which ones can work.
THE PROCESS - STEP 2 DECIDE What art form do you want to do? Which one can you do that the materials are available? Which one will allow for time, space, and availability of tools? Which one will be cost effective? Choose one that you can do safely, get the materials, and can do in class as well as at home.
THE PROCESS - STEP 3a GET STARTED - PLAN ● Begin by making a list of materials you will need. Research how much these materials will cost. ● Draw sketches of your project. Make several!
THE PROCESS - STEP 3b GET STARTED - CREATE Now that you have an idea of what you will be creating - start creating! Get the supplies you need, follow your plan, and make your project. Come to me if you have questions on the process.
THE PROCESS - STEP 4 KEEP WORKING As you work your project, you may come across obstacles or ideas that worked on paper, but not in practice. You may need to adjust your project as you go along, and that is OK! Be sure to write in your journal if you change something and make notes on what worked and what didn’t.
THE PROCESS - STEP 5a FINAL PROJECT Your project should be finished a day or two BEFORE it is due - this helps in case you notice something that needs adjusting and gives you time to reflect on the piece and the process. Write down final thoughts, self-critiques, and ideas in your journal such as:
THE PROCESS - STEP 5b FINAL PROJECT - Closing (journaling) ● ● ● ● ●
Were you happy with the results? What were some difficulties and successes? What would you have changed? Did you like the project you chose? How did the design transfer from your journal to the actual project? ● What would you like to try next?
Ready? Let’s get started! email: jmcfarland@millhopper.com