Introduction
Aim
Rational
Learners
Prerequisites
Learning Objectives
Vocabulary
Instructional Plan
Assessment and Evaluation
Introduction
Whether you are an artist that is showing their work or a viewer
that is just appreciating it, it is necessary to have a common
understanding of terms to communicate one’s thoughts and
ideas. Some of the most commonly used terms have been categorized
into what are know as the elements and principles of art.
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Aim
This web site aims to help students develop the vocabulary necessary
to describe and analyze works of art in order that they may,
in turn, gain a deeper appreciation for the art created from
various cultures throughout history.
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Rational
In an educational climate that places a strong emphasis on literacy
development, it is important that all subject areas rise to
the challenge. Art classes, although sometimes seen as trivial
filler between math, science, social studies, and English, have
the depth to address much of the same content. The visual content
of the art classes can be a powerful motivator for students
to write, problem solve, and understand culture.
Learning the elements and principles of art enriches a student’s
understanding of the art world and gives a student the tools
for achieving many English Language Arts standards. (i.e. compare
and contrast, interpret public documents, critical essays)
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Learners
This curriculum web was designed for students in ninth grade
introductory art classes. However, I believe it could be used
in middle school as well.
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Prerequisites
• Student should have at least a six grade reading level.
• Students should be proficient at navigating web environments.
• Students should have access to an art room and basic
art supplies for creating projects.
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Learning Objectives
• Students will be able to identify and define the visual
characteristics of the elements and principles of art.
• Students will be able to identify the visual characteristics
used by specific artists or cultures from past art history.
• Students will use various mediums to create works of
art that mimic the styles of specific artists and cultures.
• Students will gain an appreciation for the rich diversity
of thought and culture associated with the arts.
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Vocabulary
Elements of Art – The parts that make
up art
Space- refers to the unoccupied area surrounding
three dimensional objects and the area taken up by the object.
Line- A point moving through space
Shape- Defined by outlines and are two dimensional
Form- Has volume and takes up space.
Color- A hue of light
Value- How light or dark a color is
Texture- The visual qualities of the surface
of a work of art (How a surface feels)
Principles of Art- How the elements of art
are used
Balance- Equally weighted elements
Unity- A cohesive quality that brings all
aspects of the composition together
Contrast- Refers to the extreme differences
between aspects of elements
Emphasis- The dominant focus area in a composition
Pattern- Planned or random repititions repetitions
to enhance the surface of a composition
Movement- The real or implied motion in a
composition
Rhythm- The repetition of visual movement
created by elements in a composition
Perspective - The illusion of a three-dimensional
object on a two-dimensional surface.
Positive Space- The actual space of an object
Negative Space- The area surrounding the object
Contour Lines- The outer edges or "outline"
of a perceived shape
Gesture Lines- Sometimes called "movement
lines" emphasize direction and fluidity. Line weight-
How thick, thin, hard, or soft a line is
Line Weight- describes how thin, thick, soft,
hard, dark or light a line is.
Organic Shapes- Have curved, wavy, or irregular
outlines.
Geometric Shapes- Are precise and sharply defined.
(i.e. squares, circles, triangles)
Three-dimensional- Objects that can be seen
from many sides
Two-dimensional- A flat surface
Primary colors- The initial colors: Red, Blue,
and Yellow
Secondary colors- Mixed pairs of primary colors:
Orange, Green, and Violet
Complimentary colors- The opposite colors on
a color wheel
Warm Colors- Are the brighter hues of color
(i.e. mixtures of red, yellow, and orange)
Cool Colors- Are the darker hues of color (i.e.
mixtures of blue, green and violet)
Tint- Adding white to a color
Tone- Adding black to a color
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Instructional Plan
This web curriculum is meant to be used as an introduction to
a beginning level art class. The activities directly correlate
to the vocabulary students are learning. The activities are
meant to reinforce the vocabulary and motivate students with
a hands-on approach to learning. Click on the activities below
for a complete lesson plan in MS Word.
Activity
1: Japanese Landscape
Activity
2: Matisse: Jazz
Activity
3: Impressionism
Activity 4: Stained Glass Window
Activity 5: M.C. Escher
Activity 6: Faith Ringold: Quilts
Each activity has a hotlist built in as a quick reference to
web resources.
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Assessment and Evaluation
The assessment of the students will take on three
forms and are as follows:
1. At the end of each activity, students can link
to a rubric that will help them self-access there work. Click
here to view the Activity Rubric.
2. Students will link to an online multiple choice
quiz that tests their knowledge of the elements and principles
of art. (I am currently working on the online
quiz. However, clicking on the link here
will give allow you to download a MS Word document that I am
working from)
3. Students will take as essay quiz that test
their ability to use the elements and principles of art to describe,
analyze, intepret, and judge a work of art. Click here
to view the essay rubric.
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