Sculpture 1 Rubric - Faculty Development - Academy of Art University

Sculpture 1 Rubric
Notice that this rubric includes symbols as visual memory tools that can help students remember the key criteria
for the assignment. Notice also that according to this rubric students who meet the basic terms of the assignment by
following directions receive a C.
3-Dimensional Form
How is your eye drawn through the piece How well has the
artist used 3-D form and composition Look from back to front,
front to back, top to bottom, bottom to top. Are there: Clean
edges to form Innovative composition Is vertical / horizontal /
diagonal composition considered Is there a strong, clear
silhouette or negative space Is there varied tonal range from
black to white
Craft / Technique
How carefully did the artist make this work Does it appear
finished Did they pay attention to fine details throughout Did
they use a variety of tools or techniques (How) Is there supurb,
careful workmanship Is there “authority” (sureness) in the form
(Why) Is there consistency, clarity Were they fully engaged in
the task (How / Why)
Contrast
Effective artwork uses contrasting elements: large/small,
rough/smooth, male/female, inner/outer, long/short, living/dead,
real/unreal, etc. What did the artist choose Is there clear use of
that contrast Can you easily find opposites such as: rough vs.
smooth, hard vs. soft, open vs. closed, inside vs. outside, large
vs. small, real vs. unreal, anatomic vs. stylized, absent vs.
present, hidden vs. revealed, clear vs. enigmatic
Intention/Expression
Is there an unexpected or unique solution Is the Artist’s voice
powerfully presented (How / Why) Is the concept strong and
clear Do the forms and marks fully capture the essence of the
idea Are the forms supporting the expressive concept (How /
Where / Why)
© 2009, Academy of Art University. Faculty Development: http://faculty.academyart.edu. 415.618.3855

Rubric A=Superb, rare work B=Above average C=Expected D=Below average Fail
Worse than
“D”
Worse than
“D”
Worse than
“D”
Worse than
“D”
Sculpture 1 Written Rubric
Three-dimensional View Complete attention to 3-D view.
Innovative composition. Back vw=
front, vw=top, vw=bottom vw. Vert/horiz/
diag composition considered. Excellent
silhouette/negative space.
Follows directions.
Completes task.
Inadequate 3-D
composition - not
paying attention to
different views. Not
fully embracing the
“round”.
Worse than
“D”
Technique/Craft Superb, careful workmanship throughout.
Authoritative attention to detail,
clarity. Consistency. Utilizing all skills,
abilities available. Fully engaged in task.
Well rendered, strong, clear form. Tonal
range - black to white.
Intention/Expression Clear concept. All forms support expressive
concept. Forms & marks fully
capture essence of idea. Unexpected or
unique solution. Artist’s voice powerfully
presented.
Contrasting Elements Clear use of contrast; Using opposites
as texture/smooth, hard/soft, male/
female, open/closed, inside/outside,
large/small, living/dead, real/unreal,
anatomic/stylized, absent/present,
hidden/revealed, clear/enigmatic, etc.
Follows directions.
Completes task.
Follows directions.
Completes task.
Follows directions.
Completes task.
Muddy (soft, sloppy)
form, unclear, not
carefully worked.
Uninspired concept.
Forms not supporting
overall intention.
Timid execution.
Poor/unoriginal use
of contrast
Attendance/
Participation
Homework/
Research/
Preparation/
Comes to class on time, every day, ready
to work. Comes back promptly from
breaks. Participates with positive energy
& ideas.
Excels in all home work thoroughly.
Excels in following directions.
Follows directions.
Completes task.
Often late,
unprepared
Poor, lackluster,
or no attempts at
homework
© 2009, Academy of Art University. Faculty Development: http://faculty.academyart.edu. 415.618.3855