**Lesson Plan: Art Critique and Portfolio Development**
**Grade Level:** 8th Grade
**Subject:** Art
**Lesson Duration:** 3 Class Periods (50 minutes each)
**Lesson Overview:**
This lesson aims to develop students' skills in art critique and portfolio development. By the end of this lesson, students will understand the steps of art critique, develop the ability to analyze and interpret artwork, and learn how to create and curate their own art portfolios.
**Objectives:**
1. Students will understand and apply the four steps of art critique: Describe, Analyze, Interpret, and Judge.
2. Students will be able to give constructive feedback on peer artworks.
3. Students will learn the importance of a cohesive art portfolio and how to curate their own.
**Standards:**
- Visual Arts Standards: Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes.
- Art Critique Standard: Responding to and analyzing works of art.
**Materials Needed:**
- Projector or Smartboard
- Sample artworks (both professional and student work)
- Blank critique worksheets
- Student artwork (from previous assignments)
- Portfolios or folders
- Basic art supplies (pencils, erasers, markers, etc.)
- Rubrics for art critique and portfolio presentation
**Day 1: Introduction to Art Critique**
*1. Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes):*
- Display an artwork on the projector.
- Ask students to write down their immediate thoughts and reactions without discussing them with their peers.
*2. Introduction to Art Critique (15 minutes):*
- Explain the four steps of art critique:
1. Describe: What do you see? (Elements of art such as line, color, texture, shape)
2. Analyze: How is the work organized? (Principles of design such as balance, contrast, rhythm)
3. Interpret: What is happening? What is the artist trying to communicate?
4. Judge: What do you think of the work? Provide reasons and evidence for your opinion.
*3. Guided Practice (20 minutes):*
- Choose another artwork and go through the critique steps as a class. Encourage student participation and guide them to use the appropriate terminology.
*4. Homework (5 minutes):*
- Assign students to select a piece of their own artwork for critique in the next class.
**Day 2: Peer Critique Session**
*1. Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes):*
- Students briefly present their chosen artwork from homework to their table groups.
*2. Peer Critique (30 minutes):*
- Students swap artworks with a partner and use the critique worksheet to analyze and interpret their peer’s work.
- Encourage constructive feedback using positive language and specific suggestions for improvement.
*3. Group Discussion (5 minutes):*
- Have a few students share their critique experience with the class.
*4. Reflection (5 minutes):*
- Students write a brief reflection on the feedback they received and how they can apply it to their own work.
**Day 3: Portfolio Development**
*1. Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes):*
- Show examples of well-curated art portfolios (professional artists or senior students).
*2. Lecture/Discussion (15 minutes):*
- Explain the components of a strong art portfolio:
1. Thoughtful selection of artwork
2. Cohesive presentation and layout
3. Artist statement and descriptions for each piece
- Discuss the purpose and benefits of maintaining a portfolio.
*3. Portfolio Organization (20 minutes):*
- Students organize their artwork in folders, considering the sequence and presentation. Provide guidance and one-on-one assistance as needed.
- Students start writing brief descriptions for each piece.
*4. Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes):*
- Assign students to complete their portfolio descriptions at home.
- Plan for a portfolio presentation day in the following week where students can showcase their work.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in class discussions and activities.
- Completion of critique worksheets.
- Reflection on received critique.
- Quality and effort shown in organizing the portfolio and writing descriptions.
**Differentiation:**
- Provide visual aids and examples for students who need additional support.
- Offer an extension activity for advanced students, such as researching and presenting on a famous art critic or artist.
**Closure:**
- Recap the importance of art critique and portfolio development.
- Encourage students to continue reflecting on and refining their art as part of their artistic growth process.