### Advanced Portfolio Development: Lesson Plan for Grade 11
**Grade Level:** 11
**Subject:** Art
**Topic:** Advanced Portfolio Development
**Duration:** 5 Weeks (5 days a week, 1-hour sessions)
#### Objectives:
- To understand the components of a strong art portfolio.
- To develop advanced technical skills in various mediums.
- To create a cohesive body of artwork that showcases individual style and abilities.
- To prepare students for college admissions/internships requiring a portfolio.
#### Materials:
- Sketchbooks
- Drawing pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
- Charcoal, pastels, and colored pencils
- Acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints
- Canvases and high-quality drawing paper
- Digital art tools (tablets, software like Adobe Creative Suite)
- Reference materials (books, printed images, online resources)
- Portfolios or presentation cases
#### Week-by-Week Breakdown:
**Week 1: Introduction and Planning**
- **Day 1:** Introduction to the importance of a portfolio; discuss what makes a successful portfolio (variety, depth, technique, and personal voice).
- **Day 2:** Critical analysis of professional portfolios; students select a theme/topic for their portfolio.
- **Day 3:** Brainstorming and sketching session; students create rough draft layouts and concepts.
- **Day 4:** Introduction to portfolio requirements for college admissions and internships.
- **Day 5:** One-on-one discussions with students about their themes and preliminary sketches.
**Week 2: Medium Exploration and Technique Refinement**
- **Day 1:** Focus on drawing techniques; advanced shading, perspective, and composition.
- **Day 2:** Experimenting with charcoal and pastels; value studies and texture.
- **Day 3:** Introduction to painting techniques; color theory, blending, and brushwork.
- **Day 4:** Exploration of digital art; using tablets and software to create digital pieces.
- **Day 5:** Mixed media exploration; creating works combining multiple mediums.
**Week 3: Project Development**
- **Day 1:** Students select at least three mediums to work with, based on previous explorations.
- **Day 2:** Work on first piece: planning, sketching, and starting the final version.
- **Day 3:** Work time for the first piece; peer critique and feedback.
- **Day 4:** Beginning of second piece; ensuring it ties into the chosen theme.
- **Day 5:** Work session for the second piece; teacher feedback and adjustments.
**Week 4: Cohesion and Consistency**
- **Day 1:** Discussion on creating a cohesive body of work; importance of consistency in a portfolio.
- **Day 2:** Mid-project evaluations; students present current pieces for group critique.
- **Day 3:** Work on third and fourth pieces; focus on maintaining theme and technique.
- **Day 4:** Individual progress meetings with the instructor.
- **Day 5:** Work session to refine and finalize ongoing projects.
**Week 5: Finalizing and Presentation**
- **Day 1:** Final touches on all pieces; ensuring all elements are polished and professional.
- **Day 2:** Discuss presentation techniques; mounting, digital presentation, and artist statements.
- **Day 3:** Students prepare artist statements for their portfolios.
- **Day 4:** Mock portfolio reviews; students present their work to the class for feedback.
- **Day 5:** Final portfolio presentation; students showcase their portfolios in a gallery setup.
#### Assessment:
- **Formative:** Weekly progress checks, participation in critiques, effort in experimentation and skill development.
- **Summative:** Final portfolio presentation including a minimum of 10 pieces, artist statement, and overall cohesion and quality of work.
#### Additional Notes:
- Encourage students to keep a reflective journal to document their process and growth.
- Provide resources and opportunities for students to explore new techniques and artists related to their themes.
- Offer guidance on photographing and digitally documenting their work for online portfolios.
#### Extensions:
- Invite guest artists or college admissions officers to provide insights and additional critiques.
- Organize a field trip to a local gallery or artist’s studio for inspiration and real-world portfolio examples.
With this structured approach, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of creating an advanced art portfolio, developing both their technical skills and personal artistic voice.