Visual Arts 1

Visual Arts 1

Mount Diablo High School

2025-2026 Academic Year

Teacher: Mrs. Parvaneh (Pari) Chehrehsa
Email: chehrehsap@mdusd.org
Phone: (925) 682-4030 ex: 87412​ 

Room: A-12

Welcome to Art 1!
This year, you will explore a wide range of fundamental techniques and concepts in drawing, painting, color theory, sculpture, and more. You’ll create original artwork using a variety of materials and develop your own artistic voice while learning about global cultures and master artists. Let's create and grow together!

Course Content

Art 1 is an introductory visual arts course that emphasizes technical skills, elements of arts, principles of design, creative problem-solving, and art appreciation. Students will build foundational knowledge of elements of art and principles of design through hands-on projects and reflective discussions.

Topic Overview

• Drawing Techniques (line, shading, perspective)

• Color Theory and Painting

• Composition and Balance

• Sculpture and 3D Form (Clay)

• Portraits and Figure Drawing

• Cultural Arts and Art History

• Portfolio Development

Learning Goals

• Demonstrate understanding of Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

• Apply a range of media and techniques to express creative ideas.

• Analyze and reflect on artworks and processes.

• Understand historical and cultural contexts of art.

• Build a digital and physical portfolio of work.

Scope and Sequence

Tools & Materials

Assessment & Grading

Need Help?

• Online references shared on Google Classroom and our classroom www.artschoool.ca

• Schedule a one-on-one with the teacher anytime before or after class

Welcome to our art class! Here, we do more than just make cool art—we work together to build a strong, supportive community. Our class is based on a philosophy called the Circle of Courage, which is all about four important values: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.

These values guide how we treat each other, how we learn new skills, and how we express ourselves. When you follow them, you're not just becoming a better artist—you’re also becoming a more confident, kind, and strong person.

1. Belonging – Building a Safe and Inclusive Art Studio

In our classroom, everyone is welcomed as part of a creative community. We honor our diverse backgrounds, languages, and artistic voices. Belonging means:

• Respecting each other—students, teachers, and guests—at all times.

• Using kind, supportive language and showing appreciation for others’ ideas and cultures.

• Helping maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all students to express themselves.

• Encouraging collaboration and positive peer feedback.

Behavioral Expectations:

• No put-downs, teasing, or exclusion.

• Be open-minded and celebrate difference.

• Follow MDHS policies around phone use (Yondr pouches required) to stay present with each other.

2. Mastery – Developing Artistic Skill and Understanding

This program is designed to support your growth as a developing artist through practice, challenge, and reflection. Mastery means:

• Engaging fully in each project, warm-up, and demo.

• Developing your skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, design, and digital media.

• Studying cultural and historical artists to expand your perspective.

• Reflecting on your progress and setting artistic goals.

Curriculum Includes:

• Custom art projects tied to personal and cultural identity

• Weekly technique demonstrations and hands-on practice

• Visual art vocabulary, artist studies, and critique discussions

• Readings and references from: The Artist’s Compass workbook, artist handouts, and digital tutorials

Assessment & Grading:

• Sketchbook Assignments 40%

• Major Art Projects  40%

• Participation, Time and Data Management 10%

• Final Exam/Project 10%

3. Independence – Taking Ownership of Your Creative Journey

Art allows students to develop voice and autonomy. Independence means:

• Taking initiative with your ideas and projects.

• Being responsible with materials, time, and deadlines.

• Using feedback to improve and revise your work.

Late Work Policy:

• Major projects may be turned in up to 5 days late for up to 70% credit, unless excused. 

• Daily assignments must be made up within 1 week of an excused absence.

• Extensions available with teacher approval or for students with IEPs/504s.

Retakes & Corrections Policy:

• One revision opportunity is available for major assignments per quarter.

• Must include a reflection and consultation with the teacher.

Procedures:

• Warm-ups begin in the first 5 minutes of class.

• Restroom use allowed with pass (one student at a time, not in the first/last 10 minutes of the period).

• Google Classroom will be used for assignments, resources, and feedback.

4. Generosity – Sharing Art and Ideas to Uplift Others

Art has the power to connect, uplift, and heal. Generosity means:

• Helping your peers catch up on missed lessons or offering support when they need a hand.

• Contributing to the studio environment through support, encouragement, and collaboration.

• Sharing your creative work with confidence and humility.

• Participating in class critiques, gallery displays, and possibly school-wide events.

• Giving honest, helpful feedback to classmates.

Resources if You Need Help:

• One-on-one check-ins with your teacher before or after class

• Peer mentoring during studio time

• Digital resources provided via Google Classroom

Cell Phones, Yondr & Electronics
MDHS is a phone-free campus. All students must secure cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds in a Yondr pouch upon arrival and may not access them until dismissal. Pouches must be brought daily and kept in good condition. Any violation of this policy will result in device confiscation and require a parent pickup. Damaged or lost Yondr pouches will result in a $50 fee. Personal laptops and tablets are prohibited. See the Student Handbook for full policy details.

Tardy & Attendance
Students must be in class on time every day. A five-minute passing period is provided. Late arrivals are marked tardy. Repeated tardiness will result in escalating administrative consequences. Refer to the Student Handbook for full attendance policy.

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Academic honesty is expected at all times. Plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, unauthorized use of AI tools, copying work from other students or the internet, and falsification are prohibited.

• First Offense: Zero on the assignment, parent notification, behavior record entry.

• Second Offense: Zero on the assignment, parent conference, administrative referral, possible loss of honors/AP privileges.

• Repeated Offenses: Course failure, suspension, loss of awards or leadership roles.
  Consequences may vary based on severity and are determined by school administration.