MASTERFUL FIGURE PAINTING

High School Painting students explore historical painters to inspire their own original painting. By researching artists, analyzing their styles and techniques, and developing preliminary sketches and color studies, students will create a figure painting that demonstrates understanding of composition, technique, and personal interpretation.

For two class sessions, students conduct research in the library, allowing them to engage deeply with art history in a focused, distraction-free environment. Then, research transitions back to the classroom, where students can responsibly integrate technology to supplement and complete any remaining areas of inquiry.

During the next two class sessions, the teacher will demonstrate foundational techniques for beginning a painting, modeling processes that students can apply to their own work. Students will then synthesize their research into visual ideas by developing sketches and thumbnails that guide their artistic direction. Throughout this process, the teacher conducts ongoing formative assessments through regular check-ins, ensuring students receive timely feedback and support as they move from planning to creation.

Then, over six studio classes, students use their research and sketches to begin their paintings and develop their ideas. They participate in frequent peer discussions, including group conversations about their artists and brief paired critiques. Throughout the process, the teacher conducts regular check-ins to provide ongoing formative feedback and support.

Finally, students will write an artist statement explaining the intent behind their work and how it connects to their chosen artist or artists. Afterward, they will participate in a “tag critique,” where they move around the room while music plays and sit at a nearby artwork that is not their own when the music stops. Using one of their three critique slips, they will provide positive feedback and a suggestion for improvement. This process repeats for three rotations, giving each student a range of peer perspectives on their completed painting.