Beginning Art Overview
Pathways’ Art classes follow the Meridian School District’s Curriculum. We create in a
unique setting and therefore make adaptions as we function without running water and
appropriate room for storing supplies or the student’s work in progress between class
sessions.
In beginning Art, students are expected to learn fundamental concepts of art and design.
These fundamental concepts are: the Elements of Art, The Principles of Art, and Color
Theory along with Art History. Students will also work with a variety of media and learn
the nature of these media and the proper care and maintenance of art materials.
The Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Color, Texture, and Space. These
seven elements are always present in all works of art. Students will be able to identify
these elements in any work of art. Additionally art is appreciated through a framework
known as the Principles of Art.
The Principles of Art: Balance, Emphasis, Variety, Contrast, Rhythm, Unity and
Movement. Students are required to become familiar with the Principles of art as well,
and to be able to distinguish between both the Elements of Art and the Principles of Art.
Color Theory is another major topic of study in beginning art. Students will learn about
colors and a variety of shades of individual colors, and they will learn four major color
schemes: Monochromatic, Complimentary, Triadic, and Analogous color schemes.
In addition students will learn about linear perspective, and a variety of art styles:
Surrealism, Impressionism, Realism, and Abstract art. Students will learn about a variety
of well known artists whose work is representative of these styles of art: Salvador Dali,
and M.C. Escher- surrealism; Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gough – impressionism;
Renaissance artists Leonardo di Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael- realism.
Critiquing and Art Appreciation
Another large aspect of art is that of Art Appreciation. Students work will be evaluated
throughout the semester on the principles of Art through an established Art
Critiquing/Appreciation format. Thus they will become familiar with the process that art
is evaluated in the “adult” world. Beginning Art students will progressively be evaluated
as they are taught the Elements and Principles of Art. They will only be held accountable
for those they have received instruction and for which they were expected to learn and
develop. (Please see rubric below.)
Art is critiqued based on how well the elements of art are employed and with the
Principles of Art as a guide. Critiquing considers how well an artist utilized these aspects
in their work rather than if the “subject” or piece of art work is something an individual
“likes.” This liberates an artist from the restraints of “beauty is in the eyes of the
beholder.” Art work is therefore evaluated based on the merit of how well the Elements
of Art and the Principles of Art are employed. Please see a copy of the rubric below.
Art Work Critique - Grade Sheet Rubric.
Students work will be evaluated through the steps to critiquing and based on the Principles of Art.
Steps to Critiquing:
Describe: What is the subject, and what medium, and style were used?
Analyze: How were the Elements of Art and Principles of Art used in the work of art
Interpret: What “statement” was the artist trying to say, and is it a clear statement?
Judgment: Do you think the work of art is successful? (Not do you like it?)
Principles of Art:
B Balance (Space, Value, Color)
E Emphasis (Main subject is clear to identify)
V Variety Different colors/shapes textures etc….
C Contrast Some contrast used to intentionally draw attention
R Rhythm Patterns and repetition of patterns/themes in a work
U Unity Composition goes together
M Movement Draws the eye around Line, Form, Space, Value
Seven Elements
Students are graded on only those elements
that have been presented for instruction in the class- hence those circled:
Line Shape Form Value Color Space Texture
0 1 2 3 3.5
Describe Subject of
this work is
unknown,
and needs a
full
explanation
Subject of
this work is
unclear, and
needs
explanation
Subject of this
work is
difficult to
understand,
needs some
explanation
Subject of this
work is very
easy to
understand, no
explanation is
needed
Subject of this
work is very
clear, and
shown in a
unique/creative
manner
Analyze The Element
of Art that
was the focus
of this lesson
is not well
represented.
Demonstrates
little effort.
Some (2-3)
Principles of
Art are
present; this
lesson’s
Element of
Art is used.
Work clearly
could be
improved.
Most (4-5)
Principles of
Art are present;
and (2-3)
required
Elements of
Art are used
well. Some
room for
improvement
All (6)
Principles of
Art are present.
All required
Elements of
Art are used
well.
All Principles
of Art are
present. All
Elements of
Art are used
well, and are
creatively
integrated with
one another.
Interpret Very weak or
no statement
made by this
work of art.
It is unclear
what kind of
statement
this work of
art is
making.
This work of
art makes a
statement
This work of
art makes a
clear
statement.
This work of
art makes a
strong, and
compelling
statement.
Judgment This work of
art is
confusing to
the viewer.
This work of
art attempts
to
communicate
a message or
idea to the
viewer.
This work of
art is partially
successful in
craftsmanship
and in
communicating
an idea.
This work of
art is
successful in
craftsmanship
and in
communicating
an idea to the
viewer.
This work of
art is very
successful in
craftsmanship
and in
communicating
an idea to the
viewer,
Use of
Medium
Poor use of
medium.
Questionable
use of
Work shows a
“Genuine”
Work shows
good use of
Work shows
excellent use
Work
demonstrates
poor effort.
medium,
shows clear
room for
improvement
attempt to use
the medium as
assigned.
medium as
assigned, and
attempts to
take media to
next level.
of medium!
Shows great
competency
with media, in
a creative
attempt to take
media to a new
level.
Total
Remarkable features of this work are:
Elements or Principles that may help improve the quality of your art work:
Beginning Art
Practice elements of design and introduction to the 10 principles of design
Famous artists throughout history
Produce artwork in a variety of art media
Practice art criticism and appreciation skills