Unit Plan 15 (Grade 6 Art): Studio Project II — Production
Grade 6 studio art unit where students create planned compositions, refine technique and craftsmanship, and complete meaningful artwork with clear visual intent.
Focus: Produce meaningful artwork using intentional composition that reflects planning, developing technique, and clear visual intent.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Studio Practice • Composition & Craftsmanship)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students move from planning to full studio production, completing a second major artwork that demonstrates intentional composition, craftsmanship, and clear purpose. Building on earlier brainstorming and design skills, they use planning sketches to guide decisions about placement, balance, focal point, and detail. Students learn to manage their time across multiple work sessions, make in-progress adjustments, and bring a project to a polished finish that reflects their artistic intent.
Essential Questions
- How does planning help me create a stronger, more organized final artwork?
- What makes a composition feel intentional instead of accidental?
- How can I show growth in technique and craftsmanship from my earlier projects?
- Why is it important to stay focused and persistent when completing a multi-day studio project?
- How do I know when artwork feels “finished” and communicates my idea clearly?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review and refine a prior planning sketch or concept to guide Studio Project II (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Use intentional composition (placement, balance, focal point) while blocking in major shapes and areas (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Apply developing technical skills (line control, value, color, texture) to strengthen clarity and visual impact (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Manage studio time across several sessions, making in-progress adjustments that keep the artwork aligned with the original intent (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Complete a final artwork that demonstrates thoughtful planning, developing technique, and clear intent, accompanied by a brief reflection on process and growth (VA:Cr3.6b).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.6b — Complete artwork that demonstrates thoughtful planning, developing technique, and clear intent.
- Example: Students finalize a perspective drawing showing spatial depth.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use a plan or sketch to guide my final artwork instead of guessing as I go.
- I can show intentional composition by thinking about where I place objects and the focal point.
- I can see improvement in my technique (line, shading, color, detail) compared to earlier work.
- I stay focused and productive during studio time and make adjustments when something doesn’t look right.
- My finished artwork looks planned, clear, and meaningful, and I can explain what I was trying to do.