The class mural project can be fun and educational for a beginning art class. In the first week, set up a large canvas or drawing paper. Hang the drawing surface onto a flat wall and secure it in place. Have the class work together in coming up with a concept for the mural and an idea of how to act on the concept. This will help the class get an idea about the other classmates and get comfortable with their ideas and abilities. Have the class pitch the concept to you before working. If the idea is good or to the level the class should be, let them paint the mural. As the class members work, help them make decisions and question their techniques as you give advice. Try not to interject too much as this will be a way for you to observe their abilities and effort.
The "my stamp" project is a great way to help art 101 students learn to develop a plan and act on it, using the structure of a stamp. Ask the class to develop at least five stamp designs as thumbnails. Help them keep within the traditional stamp shape and look with all pricing marks and information included. Look over the thumbnails with each student and help them pick one that they will make into their final piece of art. Guide them to pick the most challenging design but also one they feel they can complete. Ask the students to use their thumbnail as a guide as they make the final design. This can be digital, a painting or a drawing. Hang the finished pieces up for the class to look at. Have each artist point theirs out and talk about their stamp.
This project can be done through the course of a semester. At the start of each week, come up with a saying, word or quotation. Give it to the class by writing it on the board or passing it out on a note card. Have the students write it down or take the cards home. Give them a week to develop a drawing, painting or photo that in their opinion represents the saying, word or quotation. Have the students hang their art up and show the class their word as they give a quick summery of their concept, method and how it all relates to the words given to them. Don't place many rules on the project, as the idea is to develop creativity and execution of concept. When the critiquing is done, give the class the next assignment to be finished for the following week.
The self-portrait project can be the most challenging for any art class, but also one of the most rewarding and creative. Have your students decide on the method they will use to draw, paint or make their self-portrait. If it's a painting class or water coloring class, have them use the same method they're learning. Provide the class with the instructions to use a mirror to help make their own self-portrait. Lay down the rules about whether you will allow them to be fully creative or if you want them to accurately recreate their portraits. This project will take time, so give the class a few weeks to work at home or in class to finish it. At the end of the project, have the class hang the portraits on a wall together. Have the students explain their portraits and the challenges they had and the technique they used. If you wanted the class to make accurate portraits, have the students rate the accuracy of the art work.