Martin Scanlon

Well, here we go again. This will be my 29th year at Helena High and I gotta say that I’d never imagine being as blessed as I am in my career. Still love the challenge. Life is full of challenges. Never become limited by your challenges. Challenge your limits. Fair enough. I’m Marty Scanlon. I started with Ceramics my first 4 years here and it’s been all Art classes since. I teach Art I, Art II, and Art IV. Love it all. Live and breathe art. I’m not great at anything but pretty good at everything. That’s not being cocky. That’s being confident. I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to make a career of it. And God willing I’ll finish with it. Enough of me.

It’s all about you.

As for all my art classes, I have a syllabus that lays out the descriptions and expectations. Please read through all of it and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me anytime. We will do what we can do as best as we can do it. Just hang in there and make the effort. No, I don’t grade on talent. Don’t even use the word in art. So take a deep breath and exhale. It will all be good. Please, no stress. Don’t. Done deal. Mediums may be of a challenge but always solvable.

So, here we go. Relax, enjoy, smile, breath, create, grow, laugh. Who knows…you might surprise yourself with something amazing!

Documents

Art I, II, IV Syllabus

Contact Martin Scanlon

mscanlon@helenaschools.org

+1-406-324-2336Helena High

Schedule

1st Period 8:20 - 9: 10 Art IV
2nd Period 9:15 - 10:05 Prep
3rd Period 10:15 - 11:05 Art I
4th Period 11:10 - 12:00 6th Assignment
5th Period 12:35 - 1:25 Art II
6th Period 1:30 - 2:20 Art II
7th Period 2:25 - 3:15 Art I

Art I / Weekly Agenda

The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a work of art.

Elements of Art are the visual “tools” that artists use to create an art work – they are what makes up an image or an art object: line, shape/form, value, color, space, and texture.

Principles of Design are the ways artists use the Elements of Art in an artwork – this is “what we do with the Elements” – how we arrange them, how we balance them, what is being emphasized, etc. The principles are: balance, contrast, repetition, emphasis, and unity.

Art I Weekly Agenda: May 6 – 14

On May 6 students were given their new assignment for their upcoming Acrylic Painting. We watched a great Bob Ross video (yes, the “Happy Accidents” guy!) and discussed his painting, technique and tools in class afterwords. The students then started a three (3) Pencil Drawing process to be turned in this Wednesday at the beginning of the period. The assignment was posted on the dry board and a printed version on the display board for all to see and take a pic if need be. Students will then select the drawing they like the best and feel would be a great painting. We will then move towards the reworking phase on the canvas provided. Students will redraw (alterations and changes if need be) on the canvas and then paint!

Art 2 / Weekly Agenda

Focus on drawing skills:

Creative drawings, shading techniques review and practice, pen and graphite drawings, texture shading, colored pencils and oil pastels techniques, design stylizing techniques, non-traditional art media, mix-media, introduction to watercolor pencils, watercolor techniques, etc.

Focus on drawing, painting and printing media:

Unusual painting media, creative designs – practice eye-hand coordination, pen and ink drawings, pattern values and creative application, introduction to silk screen printing, optical illusions and OpArt – review perspective, collages and acrylic paintings, composition and colors in Art.

Art II Weekly Agenda: May 7 – 16

Students were exposed to Balsa Foam and the sculpting possibilities. We discussed tools used and look at many amazing examples from past student work. The Balsa Foam bricks are very easily carved and students can use push pins to connect parts if need be. Added elements are accepted to carry the vision/concept through. Students have the choice to paint (Acrylic) if they’d like. Trust me….the dust is flying in here and they are carving away!

Art 4 / Independent Studio

In this class, you will do a project that integrates the knowledge you’ve acquired. You’ll have the opportunity to define and articulate critical questions and possible solutions for a challenge that professionals in the art field face today. This class is highly personalized and could serve as a career-launching experience.

This an opportunity for students to pursue a self-directed experience in their professional program that intentionally integrates their learnings.

Weekly Agenda: All Year

Students have their own agenda each quarter. The 4th Quarter (yes, we are there…wow) Contracts have been turned in and finalized. Last projects for their incredible art careers at HHS. So proud of their efforts and putting up with me pushing them hard. Great group of kids in this Art IV class!!