Follow the following rubric and instructions
HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
There are two required sections for applying to the High School Visual Arts Program. Part one is submitting an online portfolio and part two is a 30 minute in person drawing assessment.
A link to the High School Visual Arts Choice Open House presentation
Online Portfolio and Artist Statement Submission Link: To submit your online portfolio and artist statement, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/NDUbqeMWvk91jE3D6
*Please note, each file must be submitted as a .jpg file (no .heic files will be accepted)*
Each art submission is measured in four separate areas: composition, skill/technique,
originality and craftsmanship.
All artworks should be well-lit with the artwork clearly visible and rotated appropriately. No cast shadows of hands or phones in the image.
DEFINITIONS
Value: Value in art refers to the lightness and darkness of colors and is often described in varying levels of contrast. Artwork should have a range of different values from very light to very dark.
Cast Shadow: The shadow of one object cast onto another surface, such as the ground.
Still Life: A painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects, typically including fruit and flowers and objects contrasting with these in texture, such as bowls and glassware. Should have a strong light source from a window or other lighting.
Figure Drawing: A painting or drawing of a human figure, typically drawn from life (without a photo). Should include a background.
Self-Portrait: A painting or drawing of the artist, drawn from observation such as looking in a mirror. Typically includes head, neck and shoulders.
Expressive: An artwork that is abstract or expressive. The work may be either non-objective (no reference to real objects) or may reference real objects (such as a house) but in a way that is not overtly realistic. The work may express emotion or an issue that is important to the student. The work may create a mood, or tell a story about how the artist feels.
Composition: How the image is depicted and laid out on the canvas. In other words, the arrangement of objects within a work of art. The artist uses composition to arrange the subject and object of the image in a way to engage the viewer or provide a visually compelling scene. Use of elements and principles of design. Avoid drawings floating in the middle of the artwork.
Skill and Technique: Accuracy and proportion, use of materials, tools and mediums. Measures student’s knowledge, aptitude and ability to draw with authenticity/accuracy. Drawings should include use of value/shadow.
Originality: A unique quality of line or application of value or color to the canvas or paper, similar to the unique quality of a signature. Work should be exceedingly creative. The act of conveying mood, sentiment, feeling, spirit and character in artistic execution; measures a student’s ability to create expressive powerful works that clearly reflect the student’s original point of view. Artwork that looks similar to existing artworks (such as anime or Disney characters) will not be accepted as this does not display originality or creativity.
Craftsmanship: Level of attention and care for the finished product and presentation of the artwork; measures the student’s effort and ability to create works that demonstrate pride of workmanship. Work is rotated, cropped, well lit and clear. No cast shadows of hands or phones are visible in artwork.
Portfolio and On-site Drawing are weighted equally.
Still life: At least three everyday objects, grouped together with a light source, and drawn from observation (do NOT use a photo!). Must use value (shading), line art not accepted, avoid smudging. Digital artwork NOT accepted. This file must be submitted using the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Stilllife.jpg
| Still Life | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles. (rule of thirds) | Very good
use of art elements and design principles |
Good use of art elements and design principles | Weak use of art elements and design principles | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail | Very good technique and some
attention to detail |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail |
Weak
technique and little attention to detail |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill. | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Full-figure drawing: A person standing, seated, or reclining, and drawn from observation (do NOT use a photo!). Must use value (shading), line art not accepted, avoid smudging. This should include the whole body, head to toe. Should indicate background. Digital artwork NOT accepted. This file must be submitted in the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Figure.jpg
| Figure Drawing | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles. (rule of thirds) | Very good
use of art elements and design principles |
Good use of art elements and design principles | Weak use of art elements and design principles | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail | Very good technique and some
attention to detail |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail |
Weak
technique and little attention to detail |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities; poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Self-portrait: A drawing of your own face, using a mirror from observation (do NOT use a photo!). Must use value (shading), line art not accepted, avoid smudging. You may also include neck and shoulders. Digital artwork NOT accepted. This file must be submitted using the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Selfportrait.jpg
| Self-Portrait | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles. (rule of thirds) | Very good
use of art elements and design principles |
Good use of art elements and design principles | Weak use of art elements and design principles | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail | Very good technique and some
attention to detail |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail |
Weak
technique and little attention to detail |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities; poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Landscape: An outdoor scene that may include natural scenery, man-made architecture, or both – drawn from observation (do NOT use a photo!). Must use value (shading), avoid smudging. Digital artwork NOT accepted. This file must be submitted using the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Landscape.jpg
| Still Life | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles, fills the page | Very good
use of art elements and design principles, fills most of the page |
Good use of art elements and design principles, fills some of the page | Weak use of art elements and design principles, does not fill the page | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail, value, accuracy | Very good technique and some
attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
Weak
technique and little to no attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill. | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Expressive: An artwork that is expressive. The work may be either non-objective (no reference to real objects) or may reference real objects (such as a house) but in a way that is not overtly realistic. The work may express emotion or an issue that is important to the student. Avoid work that is an obvious class assignment as the goal is to represent the student’s personal voice. Students should avoid Digital artwork NOT accepted. This file must be submitted using the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Expressive.jpg
| Expressive Artwork | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles. (rule of thirds) | Very good
use of art elements and design principles |
Good use of art elements and design principles | Weak use of art elements and design principles | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail | Very good technique and some
attention to detail |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail |
Weak
technique and little attention to detail |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities; poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Choice Artwork: An artwork of the student’s choice. This piece may be a 3-dimensional work, painting, drawing, etc. If 2D, must use value (shading), avoid smudging. Observational artwork created from life is encouraged. Anime, fan art, comics, character design, or digital art of any kind will not be accepted. This file must be submitted using the following format: Firstname.Lastname.Choice.jpg
| Choice Artwork | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak | 0-Not Evident |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles. (rule of thirds) | Very good
use of art elements and design principles |
Good use of art elements and design principles | Weak use of art elements and design principles | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail | Very good technique and some
attention to detail |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail |
Weak
technique and little attention to detail |
Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Very good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Good use of expressive qualities that demonstrates student’s point of view | Weak use of expressive qualities; poorly demonstrates student’s point of view | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration.
view |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill | Score of zero if sourced online images or online inspiration. |
Total: / 16
Artist Statement: Please answer the following questions in essay, multiple paragraph format. Your responses should show that you have an understanding of the direction of your artwork and artistic vision. The statement should be well written and organized, using language effectively to convey your message (correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, etc.). Lastly, it should also indicate your passion and commitment to art.
-Why did you choose this major?
-Why does Cab appeal to you / your artwork?
-What are your career goals after high school?
-What drives your artwork? Discuss your inspiration, your passion, your goals.
-What are the themes, concepts and ideas that your included artwork explores?
-Describe your creative process, including artistic approach, technique and medium.
| Artist Statement | 4-Effective | 3-Adequate | 2-Approaching | 1-Below Standard | 0-Missing |
| Artistic Vision:
Clearly conveys your artistic inspiration, goals, and themes. |
Clearly and concisely conveys artistic vision and process. | Effectively communicates artistic vision, with some room for improvement. | Lacks clarity or depth in conveying artistic vision. | Struggles to articulate artistic vision. | Score of zero if the statement is missing. |
| Clarity and Organization:
Statement is organized logically and coherently. |
Well-organized, logical, and cohesive. | Generally well-organized, with some areas for improvement. | Disorganized or lacking clear transitions. | Difficult to follow. | Score of zero if the statement is missing. |
| Writing Quality:
Demonstrates strong writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. |
Error-free, engaging, and professional. | Few errors, clear writing.. | Noticeable errors, awkward phrasing. | Numerous errors, unclear writing. | Score of zero if the statement is missing. |
| Authenticity and Passion:
Conveys your genuine voice, enthusiasm, and commitment to your art. |
Authentic, passionate, and compelling. | Generally authentic, with some room for improvement. | Lacks authenticity or passion. | Struggles to convey artistic voice. | Score of zero if the statement is missing. |
Total: / 16
In Person Drawing
Still life: Choose at least 3 objects to draw from still life table. Should fill the page, and must include value and cast shadows. Considers composition, skill, originality, and craftsmanship.
| Still Life | 4-Excellent | 3-Very Good | 2-Good | 1-Weak |
| Composition | Excellent use of art elements and design principles, fills the page | Very good
use of art elements and design principles, fills most of the page |
Good use of art elements and design principles, fills some of the page | Weak use of art elements and design principles, does not fill the page |
| Skill/Technique | Excellent technique and attention to detail, value, accuracy | Very good technique and some
attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
Good
technique, but little attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
Weak
technique and little to no attention to detail, value, accuracy. |
| Originality | Excellent use of expressive mark making | Very good use of expressive mark making | Good use of expressive mark making | Weak use of expressive mark making |
| Craftsmanship | Excellent use of neatness and skill | Very Good use of neatness and skill | Good use of neatness and skill | Weak use of neatness and skill |
| Portfolio Total Score:
(50% of total) |
/100 |
| In Personal Score | /16 |
| Final Score: | /100 |
All work submitted is original, meaning I created the work based on my own ideas. By submitting work, I agree that I created it and did not copy it from any other person, business, school, website or organization. I understand that any work that infringes anyone’s intellectual property rights will receive an automatic zero for the portfolio.
Email questions to: [email protected]
An in-depth look at HS Visual Arts Majors – Made by a High School Comm Arts Major