Your artwork will be judged using the grading rubric below. Before you begin, read each category carefully so you understand what the judges will be looking for. Use the rubric as a guide while you plan, create, and review your artwork and written description. Each category is worth 1–5 points, for a total possible score of 25 points.
How Your Artwork Will Be Judged
Each category is worth 1–5 points. The rubric below explains what the judges are looking for and what is needed to earn each score:
- 5 – Excellent
- 4 – Strong
- 3 – Good
- 2 – Developing, or
- 1 – Needs Improvement.
Use these descriptions to help guide you as you create your artwork.
Understanding of Theme
How well does the artwork and written description communicate the theme? (1 to 5 Points)
The artist shows an excellent, thoughtful, and thorough understanding of the theme. The artwork and written description clearly andeffectively communicate the theme and its message.
The artist shows a strong understanding of the theme. The artwork and written description clearly communicate the theme and its message.
The artist shows a good understanding of the theme. The artwork and written description communicate the theme and begin to explain its message, but the connection could be stronger.
The artist shows a limited understanding of the theme. The artwork or written description only partly communicates the theme or its message.
The artist shows little or no understanding of the theme. The artwork and written description do not clearly communicate the theme or its message.
Elements of Art
How effectively are the elements of art used to support the theme? (1 to 5 Points)
The artist uses line, shape, form, value, composition, and color (elements of art) very effectively to support and strengthen the theme.
The artist uses line, shape, form, value, composition, and color to effectively support the theme.
The artist uses most of the elements of art appropriately to communicate the theme.
The artist uses few of the elements of art effectively. The artwork only partly communicates the theme.
The artist does not use the elements of art effectively. The artwork does not communicate the theme clearly.
Creativity
How original, imaginative, and personal is the artist’s interpretation of the theme? (1 to 5 Points)
The artwork shows a distinctive personal style, highly original ideas, and imaginative thinking. The artist interprets the theme in a creativeand unexpected way.
The artwork shows a clear personal style, original ideas, and creative thinking. The artist presents the theme in an original and engaging way.
The artwork shows some personal style, original ideas, and creative thinking. The artist interprets the theme clearly but relies on familiar ideas.
The artwork shows limited personal style, originality, or creative thinking. The interpretation of the theme is predictable or not fully developed.
The artwork shows little or no personal style, originality, or creative thinking. The interpretation of the theme is unclear or lacks imagination.
Craftsmanship
How skillfully are the art materials used, and how carefully is the artwork presented? (1 to 5 Points)
The artist demonstrates excellent skill in using the chosen art materials. The artwork is carefully created and neatly presented, with nounintended tears, smudges, stray marks, or other distractions.
The artist demonstrates strong skill in using the chosen art materials. The artwork is well created and neatly presented, with fewunintended tears, smudges, stray marks, or other distractions.
The artist demonstrates good skill in using the chosen art materials. The artwork is carefully completed and mostly neat, but someunintended tears, smudges, stray marks, or other distractions are noticeable.
The artist demonstrates limited skill in using the chosen art materials. The artwork is poorly made or presented, and several unintended tears, smudges, stray marks, or other distractions take away from the artwork.
The artist demonstrates little or no skill in using the chosen art materials. The artwork is unfinished or poorly presented, with majortears, smudges, stray marks, or other distractions.
Visual Impact
How well do the composition, content, and execution work together to create a memorable artwork? (1 to 5 Points)
The artwork shows excellent organization of the art elements. The content and execution work together to create a memorable artwork that makes a strong impression on the viewer.
The artwork shows strong organization of the art elements. The content and execution create a memorable artwork that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
The artwork shows good organization of the art elements. The content and execution create a cohesive artwork that holds the viewer’s attention.
The artwork shows limited organization of the art elements. The content and execution create a somewhat cohesive artwork with limited impact on the viewer.
The artwork shows little or no organization of the art elements. The content and execution do not work well together, and the artwork does not engage the viewer.
