WHS STUDIO ART: Drawing Portfolio

Drawing Concepts and Skills include, but are not limited to:

Light and Shade

Rendering of Form

Composition

Surface Manipulation

Illusion of Depth

Mark-Making

Quality: The five works in this section of the portfolio should successfully demonstrate mastery of drawing issues such as light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth. Mastery should be apparent in the composition, concept, and execution of each piece whether they are simple or complex. Quality work may be a group of related works, unrelated works, or a combination of related and unrelated works executed in one or more media including but not limited to painting, printmaking, mixed media, etc. These five actual works may or may not come from the concentration and/or Breadth sections.

Concentration: This section, asks the student to demonstrate his/her personal commitment to a specific, compelling visual idea and/or mode of working. To document the process, the student should present twelve conceptually related works that demonstrate the development and evolution of an idea and show growth and discovery. Each student’s concentration should be derived from a coherent plan of action/investigation, consist of an underlying visual/conceptual idea based on an individual interest and show the development of a visual language appropriate to the subject. Students should explore their concentration topics intensively as possible utilizing any media that addresses drawing issues. Concentrations should be defined early in the year so that the work submitted has the focus and direction required for a concentration.

Some examples of Concentration topics may include but are not limited to the following:

A series of expressive landscapes based upon personal experience of a particular space
Personal/family history communicated through the content and style of still-life images
Abstractions from mechanical objects that explore mark-making
Interpretive self-portraiture and figure studies emphasizing exaggeration and distortion
Exploration of interior/exterior architectural space emphasizing principles of perspective, structure, and/or ambiance created by light, etc.
Figurative work combining animal and human subjects–drawings studies and completed works
The use of multiple images to create works that reflect psychological or narrative events

Breadth: In this section students are asked to develop artwork that demonstrates understanding of fundamental drawing concerns. Drawing from observation, invented or nonobjective forms, effective use of light and shade, line quality, surface manipulation, composition, various spatial systems, and expressive mark making should be thoughtfully considered when composing the work for the Breadth section.

The best examples of Breadth clearly show a range of conceptual approaches to drawing. Any media may be utilized. Some examples of work in the Breadth section may include but are not limited to:
Use of various spatial systems, such as linear perspective, the illusion of three-dimensional forms, aerial views, and other ways of creating and organizing space
Use of various subjects, such as the human figure, landscape, and still-life objects
Various kinds of content, such as that derived from observation, and expressionistic viewpoint, imagery or psychological imagery, social commentary, political statements, and other personal interests
Arrangement of forms in a complex visual space
Use of different approaches to represent form and space, such as rendered, gestural, painterly, expressionist, stylized, or abstract form

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RUBRIC - DRAWING

The following criteria are considered during critiquing/assessing each section of every student’s portfolio.

Quality: Five works that present the mastery of design apparent in the composition, concept and execution.

Key Scoring Descriptors:

Understanding of Composition, Concept and Execution
Intention or Purpose
Originality, Imagination and Invention in Using the Elements and Principles of Design in Drawing Composition
Decision Making, Experimentation and/or Risk Taking.
Confident, Evocative Work That Engages the Viewer
Technical Competence and Skill with Drawing Materials and Media
Understanding the Use of Digital or Photographic Sources
Appropriation and the Student’s “Voice”
Overall Accomplishment and Quality

Excellent Quality:

Work demonstrates excellent understanding of drawing through advanced visual concepts, resolved composition and generally excellent execution.
Through a successful integration of form with content, the viewer easily comprehends the intention or purpose of the work.
Work clearly displays imaginative ideas and successful, inventive articulation of the principles of design in the drawing compositions.
Work shows well-informed decision making that involves successful experimentation and/or risk taking in most pieces.
Work as a whole is confident and evocative: it engages the viewer with visual qualities (for example, expressive verve or nuanced subtlety).
Technical competence of the work is consistently excellent; drawing materials and media are used effectively to express ideas.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a sophisticated understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists clearly provides a visual reference that is transformed in the service of a larger, personal vision in which the student’s “voice” is prominent.
There may be a varying range of accomplishment among the five drawings, but overall the work reaches a level of excellent quality.

Strong Quality:

Work demonstrates strong understanding of drawing through involved visual concepts, well-structured composition and generally successful execution.
Through a clear relationship between form and content, the viewer is aware of the general intention or purpose of the work.
Work shows imaginative ideas and effective manipulation of the principles of design in the drawing compositions.
Work shows thoughtful decision making that involves successful experimentation and/or risk taking in many pieces.
Most works exhibit expressive and evocative qualities that engage the viewer and suggest confidence.
Technical competence of the work is strong; materials and media are used well to express ideas.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a strong understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists clearly provides a visual reference that is transformed in the service of a larger, personal vision in which the student’s “voice” is prominent.
There may be varying levels of accomplishment among the five drawings, but overall the work is of strong quality.

Good Quality:

Work demonstrates a good understanding of drawing through basic visual concepts, thoughtful composition and good execution.
Effort to integrate form and content is evident, although the intent or purpose of the work may not be clear to the viewer.
Work demonstrates some imaginative ideas and purposeful manipulation of the principles of design in the drawing compositions.
Work shows some clear decision making that may involve experimentation and/or risk taking, but with uneven success.
Some of the work has evocative qualities that will engage the viewer, though confidence is not obvious; conversely, the work may display confidence but not be engaging.
Work demonstrates good technical competence and use of drawing materials and media; technical aspects and articulation of ideas do not always work together.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a good understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
With the apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists, the student’s “voice” is discernible; the images have been manipulated to express the student’s individual ideas.
There may be uneven levels of accomplishment among the five drawings, but overall the work demonstrates good quality.

Moderate Quality:

Work demonstrates a moderate understanding of drawing through foundational visual concepts with moderately successful compositional resolution and execution.
The relationship of form to content is beginning to come into focus, but intention and purpose are uncertain.
Some imaginative ideas about use of the principles of design in the drawing compositions appear to be emerging.
Work shows limited decision making, experimentation and/or risk taking; there may be some limited success.
There may be one or two evocative, engaging works; confidence is questionable.
Work is uneven, but overall it demonstrates emerging technical competence and use of materials and media.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a basic understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
If published or photographic sources or the work of other artists are appropriated, the work appears to be nearly direct reproductions; even if skillfully rendered, the student’s “voice” and the individual transformation of the images are minimal.
There may be an emerging level of accomplishment among the five drawings; overall the work is of moderate quality.

Weak Quality:

Work demonstrates a weak understanding of drawing; few visual concepts are considered; compositional resolution is erratic, and overall execution is awkward.
The relationship of form to content is inadequately considered; intention or purpose is ambiguous.
The work relies heavily upon unimaginative and weakly articulated ideas about the use of the principles of design in the drawing compositions.
Decision making in the work is limited to conventional solutions; there is little or no attempt at experimentation; lack of knowledge inhibits risk taking.
There is little about the work in terms of content, style or process that will engage the viewer; the work lacks confidence.
The work demonstrates weak technical competence, awkward use of drawing materials and media and minimal mark-making skills.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a weak understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
The works appear to be direct copies of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists; even if they are of average rendering skill, there is little discernible student “voice” or individual transformation.
There is little evidence of accomplishment demonstrated in the five drawings, and overall the work is of weak quality.

Poor Quality:

Work demonstrates little understanding of drawing, visual concepts or composition; overall the execution is naive and clumsy.
The relationship of form to content is unconsidered; intention or purpose is lacking.
The work lacks imaginative or inventive ideas about the use of the principles of design in the drawing compositions.
Thoughtful decision making in the work is not apparent; there is no experimentation; lack of knowledge precludes any risk taking.
Work does not engage the viewer; no confidence is evident.
Work is generally inept; use of drawing materials and media is naive and is lacking in mark-making skills and technical competence.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays no understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Works are obviously direct copies of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists that are poorly rendered; there is no discernable student “voice” or individual transformation.
Overall the five drawings lack accomplishment and are of poor quality.

Concentration: “a body of work unified by an underlying idea that has visual coherence.” In scoring concentrations, there are four major areas of concern.

Coherence and/or development—is the work presented actually a concentration?
Quality of the concept/idea represented—is there evidence of thinking and focus?
Degree of development and investigation evident in the work—including the amount of work or number of pieces represented
Quality of the work in both concept and technique

Note: These four areas will necessarily appear in shifting relationships of relative strength and weakness. Where the four are not even in the level of achievement they represent, they will be considered as a whole to arrive to the score for the section.

Because this section is concerned with a process of growth and discovery, the work presented may span a range of levels of achievement. If this is the case, the higher level that is reached should be acknowledged in the score that is given.

Key Scoring Descriptors:

Integration of the Topic of the Concentration and the Work Presented
Decision Making and Discovery through Investigation
Originality and Innovative Thinking
Evocative Theme That Engages the Viewer
Growth and Transformation
Technical Competence and Skill with Materials and Media
Understanding the Use of Digital or Photographic Processes
Appropriation and the Student’s “Voice”
Image Quality (for weak and poor concentrations only)
Overall Accomplishment and Quality

In applying these descriptors, consider the content, style,

mark-making and use of media in the work.

Excellent Concentration:

The concentration topic and the work presented are unmistakably and coherently integrated.
The investigation of the concentration topic provides convincing evidence of informed decision making and discovery.
Work for the concentration clearly demonstrates an original vision, innovative ideas and/or risk taking, and inventive articulation of drawing techniques.
An evocative, engaging theme is sustained through most of the work.
Work conveys a sense of transformation and most works demonstrate a distinct measure of successful drawing.
In general, the work is technically excellent; materials and media are used effectively to express ideas.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a sophisticated understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists clearly provides a visual reference that is transformed in the service of a larger, personal vision in which the student’s “voice” is prominent.
There may be a varying range of accomplishment among the works for the concentration, but overall the work reaches a level of excellent quality.

Strong Concentration:

The concentration topic is successfully integrated with most of the work presented.
The investigation of the concentration provides evidence of thoughtful decision making and of discovery in some works.
Work for the concentration generally demonstrates originality, innovative thinking and effective manipulation of drawing techniques.
An evocative, engaging theme is clearly present in much of the work.
Work generally exhibits transformation but some pieces are not fully realized or totally successful.
Work is technically strong; materials and media are used well to express ideas.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a strong understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists shows a strong sense of the student’s “voice” through individual transformation of the images.
There may be varying levels of accomplishment among the works for the concentration, but overall the work is of strong quality.

Good Concentration:

The concentration topic and the work presented are closely related.
Some clear decision making and discovery are evident in the investigation of the concentration.
Work for the concentration demonstrates some originality, some innovative thinking and purposeful manipulation of drawing techniques.
A clear theme that engages the viewer with some of the work is discernable.
Apparent transformation is noticeable, but the scope of the work may be limited or repetitive.
The work demonstrates adequate technical competence and use of materials and media; technical aspects and articulation of ideas do not always work together.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work employs a good understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
With the apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists, the student’s “voice” is discernable; the images have been manipulated to express the student’s individual ideas.
There may be uneven levels of accomplishment among the works for the concentration, but overall the work is of good quality.

Moderate Concentration:

Connection between the concentration topic and the work presented is evident but erratic.
Decision making is sporadic and the work demonstrates little sense of investigation or discovery.
An idea for a concentration is presented and some original ideas seem to be emerging or some attempt at innovation with drawing techniques is evident.
A potentially engaging theme is somewhat discernable, but it is inadequately considered.
Some transformation is discernable but the scope of the work is narrow and/or repetitive.
Though uneven, the work demonstrates emerging technical competence, some knowledgeable use of drawing materials and media, and rudimentary drawing skills.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a basic understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
If published or photographic sources or the work of other artists are appropriated, the work appears to be nearly direct reproductions; even if skillfully rendered, the student’s “voice” and the individual transformation of the images are minimal.
There may be an emerging level of accomplishment among the works for the concentration; overall the work is of moderate quality.

Weak Concentration:

There is a sense of a concentration, but integration of the topic and the work is inadequately considered.
Decision making is lacking; the work appears inadequately thought out and insufficiently explored.
An idea for a concentration is presented, but the ideas in the work are unoriginal or rely mostly on appropriation.
A potentially engaging theme is present but is generally unsuccessful.
The work is mostly repetitive; only a few pieces suggest growth or show slight signs of transformation.
Work demonstrates poor technical competence, awkward use of drawing materials and media and poor drawing skills.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a weak understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Works appear to be direct copies of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists; even if they are of average rendering skill, there is little discernable student “voice” or individual transformation.
The images are difficult to see properly because they are too small, unfocused or poorly lighted.
There is little evidence of accomplishment demonstrated in the works for the concentration; overall the work is of weak quality.

Poor Concentration:

There is very little or no evidence of a concentration topic in the work presented or there is not enough work to represent a concentration.
An idea for a concentration may be presented but the knowledge and understanding to investigate and carry it out are not evident in the work.
An idea for a concentration may be presented, but the work is comprised of trite, simplistic or appropriated solutions that are poorly drawn
A theme that could engage the viewer with the work in relation to the concentration is absent.
Overall the work shows no indication of growth or transformation.
The work shows very limited technical competence; use of materials and media is naive and is lacking in drawing skills.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays no understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
The works are obviously direct copies of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists that are poorly rendered; there is no discernable student “voice” or individual transformation.
The images are impossible to see properly because they are too small, unfocused or poor

Breadth — Works demonstrating understanding of a variety drawing issues. Look for engagement with a range of:

Form
Content
Tonal values
Line quality
Perspective and other spatial systems
Composition
Drawing surface
Depth
Pattern
Means of representation and abstraction
Materials
Techniques
Styles and so on

Key Scoring Descriptors:

Investigation of a Broad Range of Visual Concepts and Composition
Decision Making in Terms of Experimentation and/or Risk Taking
Originality, Imagination, and Invention in Using the Elements and Principles of Design in Drawing Composition
Intention, Purpose and Direction
Confident, Evocative Work that Engages the Viewer
Technical Competence and Skill with Drawing Materials and Media
Understanding the Use of Digital or Photographic Sources
Appropriation and the Student’s “Voice”
Image Quality (for weak and poor breadth sections only)
Overall Accomplishment and Quality

In applying these descriptors, consider the content, style,

mark-making and use of media in the work.

Excellent Breadth:

Work demonstrates informed investigation of a broad range of visual concepts and compositions.
Work exhibits obvious evidence of informed decision making that involves highly successful experimentation and/or risk taking in most pieces.
Work clearly displays an imaginative and inventive articulation of the principles of design in a broad range of drawing compositions.
Through a successful balance of form and content, the work clearly demonstrates a broad range of intentions or purposes.
Work as a whole is confident and evocative; it engages the viewer with visual qualities (for example, expressive verve or nuanced subtlety).
Technical competence of the work is consistently excellent; materials and media are used effectively to express ideas.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists clearly provides a visual reference that is transformed in the service of a larger, personal vision in which the student’s “voice” is prominent.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a sophisticated understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
There may be a varying range of accomplishment among the works, but overall the work demonstrates excellent breadth and quality.

Strong Breadth:

Work demonstrates thoughtful investigation of a range of visual concepts and compositions.
Work shows evidence of decision making that involves successful experimentation and/or risk taking in many pieces.
Work demonstrates innovative ideas through the effective manipulation of the principles of design in a range of drawing compositions.
Through a clear relationship of form and content, the work articulates a variety of intentions or purposes.
Most of the work engages the viewer with expressive and evocative qualities; the work suggests confidence.
The technical competence of the work is strong; drawing materials and media are used well to express ideas.
Any apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists shows a strong sense of the student’s “voice” through individual transformation of the images.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work incorporates a strong understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
There may be varying levels of accomplishment among the works, but overall the work demonstrates strong breadth and quality.

Good Breadth:

Work demonstrates a good investigation of varied visual concepts and compositions.
Work shows decision making and may show evidence of experimentation and/or risk taking that is not always successful.
Work demonstrates somewhat innovative ideas through purposeful attempts to manipulate the principles of design in a range of drawing compositions.
The relationship of form to content is evident; a range of intended purposes or directions may not be clearly articulated.
Some of the work has discernable evocative or engaging qualities, though confidence is not strongly apparent; conversely the work may display confidence but not be engaging.
Work demonstrates good technical competence and use of drawing materials and media; technical aspects and articulation of ideas do not always work together.
With the apparent appropriation of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists, the student’s “voice” is discernable; the images have been manipulated to express the student’s individual ideas.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work employs a good understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
There may be uneven levels of accomplishment among the works but overall the work demonstrates good breadth and quality.

Moderate Breadth:

Work demonstrates a moderate investigation of a range of visual concepts and/or compositions.
Work shows modest decision making; there is little evidence of successful experimentation and/or risk taking.
Work demonstrates a few imaginative ideas or ideas that are tentative in their innovation with the principles of design.
The relationship of form to content is beginning to come into focus, but there is obvious uncertainty of purpose and direction.
Work is emerging in terms of potentially engaging qualities confidence is questionable.
Work demonstrates moderate technical competence and some knowledgeable use of drawing materials and media.
If published or photographic sources or the work of other artists are appropriated, the work appears to be nearly direct reproductions; even if skillfully rendered, the student’s “voice” and the individual transformation of the images are minimal.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a basic understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
There may be an emerging level of accomplishment among the works; overall the work is of moderate breadth and quality

Weak Breadth:

Work shows very little evidence of the investigation of a range of visual concepts or compositions.
Work shows decision making that is limited to conventional solutions; there is little or no successful experimentation and/or risk taking.
Work primarily shows appropriated or weakly articulated ideas about the use of the The relationship of form to content is ambiguous, and few of the works demonstrate a clear intention, purpose or direction.
There is little about the work that is engaging; the work lacks confidence.
The work is generally awkward; it demonstrates marginal technical competence and clumsy use of materials and media.
discernable student “voice” or individual transformation.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays a weak understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Images are difficult to see properly because they are too small, unfocused or poorly lighted.
There is little evidence of accomplishment demonstrated in the works; overall the work is of weak breadth and quality.

Poor Breadth:

Work shows negligible investigation of a range of visual concepts or compositions.
Work lacks evidence of decision making; no experimentation is evident.
Work shows no imaginative or inventive ideas about the relation of the principles of design to drawing composition.
The relationship of form to content is unrealized; the work demonstrates little or no intention, purpose or direction.
Work does not engage the viewer; there is no confidence evident in the work.
Work is generally inept; use of materials and media is naive and lacks skill or technical competence.
Works are obviously direct copies of published or photographic sources or the work of other artists that are poorly rendered; there is no discernable student “voice” or individual transformation.
When digital or photographic processes are used, the work displays no understanding of the application of analog drawing concepts and techniques.
Images are impossible to see properly because they are too small, unfocused or poorly lighted; there may be an incomplete set of images.
Overall, the work lacks accomplishment and is of poor breadth and quality.

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