Advanced Painting
Todd Clercx
todd.clercx@isd623.org     651-635-1660 ext. 4117

This course is designed on the premises that all advanced painters are individuals, growing and developing at different rates. Probably no student is at the same place artistically, intellectually, and emotionally at the same time. Students are sometimes given individual problems while others are given group assignments of increasingly complex difficulty. Themes include the production of art, the appreciation of art, and the understanding and evaluation or judgment of art. Although production is the main emphasis, all of the themes are important to an artist's development.

Advanced students are learning to adapt and adjust their aesthetic posture as they develop their knowledge of art. All students should be taking some substantial risks in their art production. Advanced students should be able to discuss their work and its context in art history. Advanced students should be exploring new approaches, ideas, methods and techniques rather than repeating what they already know. The main emphasis in Advanced Painting is to build upon what has already been learned in Beginning Painting and start creating and solving their own visual problems. They should be becoming more independent artists, making their own decisions rather than waiting for the instructor say what to do next.

Grading
Grading is based on use of work time in class, individual artwork, and participation in class critiques. Work time* is based on students being physically and mentally engaged in class, including everything from being in class on time to following proper safety procedures to cleaning up at the end of the hour. Individual artwork is not graded only on skill; but on a student's ability to be open-minded, to take risks, to listen to advice, and to be able to make decisions about their art. Class critiques are an integral part of Studio Art.  All students are brought together to look at each other's work.  Each student shows their work and relates their intent to the group.  The group provides positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.  In addition to this formal process, individual dialogues take place on a daily basis, between teacher and student, and student and student.

Grades will be based approximately on the following scale:    
  Individual artwork     40%
  Class critique       20%
  Daily work time     40%

* Being in class is vital to a student's success in a Studio Art class. After 5 excused absences, a student will be required to make up the missed time or a reduction in grade will be applied.