Painting – Syllabus

Teacher: Britt Blasdell

9th-12th grade – M.T.TH.F
2023/2024

Contact Information:
Email: britt.blasdell@animashighschool.com (this is the most effective way of communicating with me throughout the school year, parents!)
Phone: 970.247.2474 x2317
Digital Portfolio: www.studioartahs.weebly.com
My Website: www.brittgordonart.com

Office Hours: I am available every morning at 8 am. as well as lunch. Please email me to
schedule a meeting.

CLASS OVERVIEW:
This course introduces students to the fun and basics of several painting techniques and
mediums. We will constantly be painting to refine and sharpen compositional skills, as well as
diving deeper into what acrylic, watercolor and other constraints can do. Painting styles will
range from plein-air to observational techniques. Students will learn about light, texture, visual
play and University style critiques.

CLASS OBJECTIVES: (each lesson will have its own set of individualized Objectives and Essential Questions)
1. Develop new ways of thinking, seeing and creating
2. Building confidence through exploration of different types of painting techniques
3. Describe, analyze and interpret created artwork
4. Demonstrate problem-solving skills by providing a step-by-step approach to specific
issues in class projects

Animas High School Values:

* Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
   * Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
   * Strong faculty-student relationships, where students are well known
   * Engaging learning, where students see the relevance of their education
 

P.O. Box 4414 Durango, CO 81302 (970) 247-2474 animashighschool.com

 5. Reinforcing the principles of traditional painting skills
6. Refine hand-eye coordination and brush work through daily painting exercises
7. Acquire a working vocabulary associated with the analysis and interpretation of works
of art

GRADING POLICY:
I grade on a point system. Larger, several week projects are generally worth 200+ points.
Smaller, day projects/critiques/quizzes will be worth 20+ points. The grades earned in my class
rely heavily on class participation, effort and personal growth. You do not need to be a
naturally amazing artist to get an A in my class! Extra credit is always an option. Cleaning up
and keeping an organized, aesthetically pleasing classroom is crucial. If students fail to clean up
properly, 5 points are deducted/infraction from their project. There will be a daily grade at the
start of class to ensure students are on time and engaged.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. Students will thoroughly clean up materials and area they used. This also means to take
pride in their art classroom and keep class materials well organized ☺
a. 5 Points will be deducted from project/infraction if student does not clean their
materials/area.
2. I expect students to be on time, for tardiness requires a re-explanation of what we are
doing that day. Excessive tardiness will result in student staying after class to clean.
**after the 3rd tardy, student will be counted absent**
3. In order to earn full credit for critiques, students should be mindful, kind, engaged and
helpful during class critiques.
4. Students must relax, focus and have fun!

Animas High School Values:

* Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
   * Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
   * Strong faculty-student relationships, where students are well known
   * Engaging learning, where students see the relevance of their education
 

P.O. Box 4414 Durango, CO 81302 (970) 247-2474 animashighschool.com

STUDENT/PARENT SIGNATURE
I have read and understand all of the expectations stated above. I agree that if the student
loses or damages any classroom art materials, he/she will be held financially responsible for
that material.

Student signature _____________________________ printed: __________________________

Parent signature _____________________________

DUE: ___________

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please use the back of this paper to tell me a bit about your student. What should I know about
your student that will help me teach them more effectively? Much appreciated!

Animas High School Values:

* Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success
   * Culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations
   * Strong faculty-student relationships, where students are well known
   * Engaging learning, where students see the relevance of their education
 

P.O. Box 4414 Durango, CO 81302 (970) 247-2474 animashighschool.com