Painting & Composition Rubric - Academy of Art University

Painting: 2 Column Rubric*
Outstanding Acceptable Unacceptable
Focal Point
Focal point is prominent and strategically
established.
Different design principles (line, space,
contrast, etc.) are skillfully used to strengthen
the focal point.
The focal point is placed according to the rule
of thirds or golden spiral resulting in visual
equilibrium.
Range of Value
Full range of values used (light, medium, dark)
to create visual interest.
Perception sequence: 1st, 2nd 3rd “read”
of design is created by diminishing contrast.
Value pattern creates movement throughout
the piece and avoids excessive contrast.
Paint Quality
Paint is skillfully applied, opaque and even
in texture.
All edges are smooth, crisp and controlled.
Masking materials were successfully used with
no white gaps or overlapping areas of paint.
Focal Point
Focal point may be unclear or there may
be multiple focal points.
Little or no use of design principles, resulting
in a lack of unity. Viewer’s eye doesn’t know
where to go.
Design feels unbalanced. No consideration
of rule of thirds for focal point placement.
Range of Value
Design may not demonstrate a full range
of values, diminishing visual engagement.
Lacks diminishing areas of contrast for
effective perception sequence.
Excessive use of contrast muddles the value
pattern and results in unsuccessful eye
movement throughout the piece.
Paint Quality
Application of paint may result in excessive
streaks, transparent paint or thick/bumpy
areas. Color may not have been well mixed
before applying.
Ragged, uneven edges, or excessive bleeding
of colors.
Gaps between shapes or areas of overlapping
paint.
Comments:
Grade:
*This rubric does not reflect an existing project or course at the AAU. It is posted here as an example of how a project’s criteria may be broken down and
how the differences between an A, B, C, D/F may be described. Your rubric should contain specific descriptions geared toward the criteria of your course.

Painting: 2 Column Rubric*
Outstanding Acceptable Unacceptable
Focal Point
Focal point is prominent and strategically
established.
Different design principles (line, space,
contrast, etc.) are skillfully used to strengthen
the focal point.
The focal point is placed according to the rule
of thirds or golden spiral resulting in visual
equilibrium.
Focal Point
Focal point may be unclear or there may
be multiple focal points.
✓
Little or no use of design principles, resulting
in a lack of unity. Viewer’s eye doesn’t know
where to go.
✓
✓
Design feels unbalanced. No consideration
of rule of thirds for focal point placement.
Range of Value
Full range of values used (light, medium, dark)
to create visual interest.
Perception sequence: 1st, 2nd 3rd “read”
of design is created by diminishing contrast.
Value pattern creates movement throughout
the piece and avoids excessive contrast.
Paint Quality
Paint is skillfully applied, opaque and even
in texture.
All edges are smooth, crisp and controlled.
Some range of value
but inconsistant.
Better, careful
of streaking.
OK. Work on control.
Range of Value
Design may not demonstrate a full range
of values, diminishing visual engagement.
✓
Lacks diminishing areas of contrast for
effective perception sequence.
✓
Excessive use of contrast muddles the value
pattern and results in unsuccessful eye
movement throughout the piece.
Paint Quality
Application of paint may result in excessive
streaks, transparent paint or thick/bumpy
areas. Color may not have been well mixed
before applying.
Ragged, uneven edges, or excessive bleeding
of colors.
Masking materials were successfully used with
no white gaps or overlapping areas of paint.
Comments:
OK.
Gaps between shapes or areas of overlapping
paint.
Grade:_______________
Tasha: Your paint application has really improved
since I last saw this; however, what is challenging about this piece is that I don’t
see a clear focal point. I also see that you attempt to use a range of value, but
the value patterns don’t make sense. You use high contrast in some areas where
it seems inappropriate and light value in areas that seem to call for attention.
I suggest that you and I meet to discuss this piece further and to try and get you
on the right track. Let’s also see if there are some workshops you can attend to help
you in these areas.
*This rubric does not reflect an existing project or course at the AAU. It is posted here as an example of how a project’s criteria may be broken down and
how the differences between an A, B, C, D/F may be described. Your rubric should contain specific descriptions geared toward the criteria of your course.
D