Description: 

Students will create a painting of a cityscape based on observational sketches and other reference materials.  They will study how artists depict the illusion of depth while creating a personal point of view and a "sense of place."

Grade 8 Benchmark:

Through close observation and sustained investigation, students develop individual and global perspectives on art; utilize the principles of art, solve design problems, and explore perspective, scale, and point of view.

Performance Indicators:

Create a painting that demonstrates:
the rich use of a specific painting medium such as: watercolor, tempera or acrylic
awareness of light, value and contrast
strategies to depict the illusion of depth
use of prior observational sketches
Students will be able to: 
Analyze how artists create the illusion of depth
Depict the illusion of depth in a drawing
Combine the best elements of their preliminary sketches and photographs to create a final sketch
Compare early 20th century New York cityscapes
Develop sketches to create a personal point of view
Use tempera to mix tints and shades
Block in broad areas of color
Mix colors to create an interesting palette
Select colors to convey a mood in their paintings.
Render three-dimensional forms
Recognize the benefits of a sustained investigation of a work of art
Add details to create a "sense of place" and to add visual interest
Determine criteria for evaluating works-in-progress
Evaluate a classmate's work according to the criteria
Complete their paintings
Students will understand that: 
Artists explore perspective and scale.
Artists use observational sketches and other reference materials.
Artists are inspired by the neighborthods they frequent and live in.
Artists help us interpret our world.
Artists carefully plan and execute paintings.
Artists mix colors to create an interesting palette.
Artists convey mood through color.
Artists carefully observe the effect of atmospheric light on objects.
Artists engage in close observation and sustained investigations of works of art.
Details enhance a painting.
Artists continually reflect on their work in order to improve it.
Peer assessment can lead to new insights about one's work.
Vocabulary:
depth, foreground, middle ground, background, overlapping, receding, viewfinder, proportion, sense of place, value, tints, shades, contrast, mood, three-dimensionality, highlights, shadows, light, visual interest, criteria, peer assessment
Student, Peer, and Teacher Assessments (Formative and Summative):
Preliminary sketches and works-in-progress
Observational notes
Informal student reflection/responses
Peer critiques of student work
Structured group conversations using accountable talk
Student created rubrics/criteria for assessment
Small group discussion and critiques
Teacher observation of work-in-progress with feedback to student
Questioning students during independent work
Charting of class discussions
Clear teacher expectations, including guidelines, project goals
Review of completed homework
Research paper on artists and works of art