The Elements of Art Project

Our first project this quarter focused on the elements of art. I wanted to review the elements and begin to identify and discuss them during art history, so I had the students take some notes on a Power Point.  I assigned an open-ended, get to know your style project, that demonstrated one or more of the elements of art. Students were asked to sketch their project, experiment with the materials they planned to use, and identify which elements would be their focus; Color, Value, Line, Shape, Form, Texture and/or Space. The results were interesting and provided insight about students' interests.

3D Forms: Recycled Magazine Bowls & Ceramics

We had a great time creating recycled magazine bowls and working on our clay projects. We learned about symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance and how to identify each when looking at a piece of artwork.

Contour Line Drawing & Value Collage

Teaching contour line drawing can be a challenge.  Looking at an object and following the line, your eye and hand working together, is difficult and takes practice. We created several contour line drawings and practiced until students became comfortable with the technique, then discussed adding value. We also discussed the principle of unity and how it can be created through color, shape, texture, pattern or subject. The collage was to successfully demonstrate unity and incorporate a contour line drawing. The students were encouraged to choose whatever art materials and paper available to create their collage. The results were interesting and varied. Many students tried techniques they had never worked with before. I love to see experimentation lead to unique and unexpected results that students enjoy.

Teaching Art

Substitute teaching has been my life since last January when I received my teaching license. I have been all over four separate school districts. I usually end up in the art room, so I have a great opportunity to see what other teachers are doing in their art studios. There are certain rooms that are better, more conducive to teaching and learning art. Some of these places are poorly managed and completely unorganized, making substitute teaching more challenging then it should be. Other rooms are perfect with several sinks and natural lighting. I really hope I can find a job where the space is ideal for creating art.

I was offered the opportunity to work a long-term assignment and I was very excited to start. Not just because knowing where you are going everyday is a better way to work, but I'm substituting for a great art teacher, in an ideal space and provided the opportunity to teach my own lessons. She also embraces a teaching philosophy called Teaching for Artistic Behavior. I have read as much as I can about this method and find it completely refreshing and much more authentic then many of the methods currently embraced by art teachers.

For example, I walk into a school and the hallway is lined with nearly identical pieces of artwork. Sun in the corner, identical hills made of the same colored paper. Perhaps a student was ambitious at added something different, but the project was about following directions rather then exploring your own style and natural selection of materials. Directions are important as a guideline for success, but art should never be a task that is a result of force. Nothing is better than seeing a student excited about a project because they're intrinsically motivated. They ask you questions about mixing materials and how to create the work they are interested in making. It is student directed rather then a formulaic project chosen by the teacher.

“I want to paint today.” “Sorry, we are only using crayons for this project.” It feels wrong to tell a student they can’t use an art material to express their own ideas. I know how much art materials cost, so I understand the tendency to keep them put away, but I am also very curious about the potential project this student will create, given the opportunity to choose freely.

The art class just completed a landscape project. They demonstrated many of the ideas I stressed. Large objects are close, small objects are far away. The idea of creating foreground, middle ground and background was demonstrated by the majority of students. They were given the opportunity to use whatever art material they wanted to experiment with and whatever color and size of paper they wanted to use. 

We had a group critic where students chose a landscape they feel was successful and then asked to explain their choices. We had some great conversations about how the artist created their work. One student was amazed by the result of layering crayon and watercolor to create a reflection in water. The student asked the artist how it was created and the process was explained. The whole class was listening and engaged because they were impressed by the work. A student teaching other students is a great method of learning.

A Reflection on Student Teaching

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I feel very fortunate to have been placed with talented art educators that I admire. They are passionate about teaching art and have provided me with many resources that I will bring into my own classroom. I have had the opportunity to overcome several challenges and feel that I have learned a great deal about being an effective art educator.

The opportunity to put together a great set of successful lesson plans has also been of benefit and I was able to add some helpful notes for future improvements the next time I present the lesson. As I continue to teach art, the whole process becomes smoother and more efficient, & I have gained a great amount of confidence in my abilities.

Computer Graphics Monet Inspired Landscapes

Layered Self-Portraits Lesson