Why Teach Discipline Based Art??

If we want children to value art, then we must teach art as a valued academic subject. This means we need to teach art history, aesthetics, production, and criticism. Students must be held accountable for learning about art methods, theories, history, masterpieces, and master artists.

The art lesson should begin with the study of a great work of art. There are many inexpensive posters available of great art works that can be used to expose children to the masters. Art prints can be used, as well.

Students should be allowed to discuss the artwork. How does it relate to them? How does it relate to their lives? Have they seen it before? If so, where?

Next, students should be asked to describe the artwork. What types of line did the artist use? What colors? What shapes? Are the shapes geometric? Are they organic? Does the artist use shading? Are there light and dark values? What would the artwork feel like, if the students could touch it?

What kind of artwork is it? Is it a painting? A sculpture? A collage? A photograph? Is it an exemplary work of architecture? What do the students think the artist used to make this artwork? What tools did the artist use? What materials?

Is there a feeling, emotion, or big idea expressed by the work of art? What was the artist trying to say? Is it a social statement? Is it a personal statement? Is it a political or religious statement?

How old is the work of art and who was the artist? When did the artist live? Lead your students through these discussions, helping as needed.

After you have thoroughly explored the artist and the artwork, decide what type of artwork you want your students to produce. After looking at Van Gogh's Starry Night, you may ask your students to create paintings of the sky that feature repetition and rhythm. Discuss these artistic strategies and point out how Van Gogh made use of them in his great work.

Let your students work. When they finish, help your students to create paper frames and mattes for their paintings and hang them. Encourage the students to view each other's work.

Now, discuss what art critics do. Have your students work in teams of twos or threes. Ask them to discuss each other's work, as if they were art critics. Each student should be able to review the work of one other student in the room, if called upon. Stress that the review should focus on positive criticism and trust your students! Most of them will impress you, if you give them the chance.

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