In each class we had in-depth discussions about What Art Is and What Makes Effective Drawings and Paintings. These discussions helped students think about the process of the class they've enrolled in, while making art. They determined which of the drawings or paintings were the best, based on discussion, post-it-note votes and written graffiti walls.
All of these techniques helped identify what it takes to make a good work of art.
Students also set goals for themselves. Some of their personal goals were discussed and were very similar to the goals set forth on the syllabus. This active way of engaging students in the direction of the course has more meaning than if the instructor had just stood there and told them what we'd be doing and learning. Students were engaged and fired up to learn last week. It should be a great year for some fabulous art making.
Check out a sampling of the images from last week's Painting 1 class Graffiti discussion.