Reflection 3: The VIsual Arts

What have you learned about the principles of visual art - and looking at/understanding a piece of art? 
In class we discussed the six principles of art, these are:

Proportion – The principle of art concerned with the size relationships of one part to another or to the whole.

Balance – The principle of design concerned with equalizing visual forces, or elements in a work of art. 

Variety – The principle of design concerned with difference or contrast. Combining one or more elements of art to create interest by adding slight changes.

Rhythm – The principle of art that indicates movement by repetition of elements. 

Emphasis – The principle of design that makes one part of the work dominant over the other parts.

Unity – The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art. 

I have learned that as I look at a piece of art, to better understand it, spend more time looking at it rather than just glancing as I walk by. If I stop and truly process the painting and use these principles as I look I will see into the greater detail of the art. For example, in class we looked at many paintings but the one I enjoyed the most was The Booker T. Washington's Ladder. When I walked into class I made a harsh judgement of the piece and not until we discussed it did I understand it. As a class we looked at this piece we all noticed the proportion of the ladder. We noticed that it was narrow,curved, and as it did not look like a ladder you would want to climb. The artist very much represented Booker T. Washington's life long journey through this piece of art.

What is the value of using children's picture book illustrators as an entrance to both understanding and making art? 


I think there is a lot of value of using children's picture book illustrators as an entrance to both understanding  and making art. I think that when introducing a new style of art it is great for the students to see it applied in something they all enjoy. As we did our presentations I gained a new appreciation to all of the different types of art illustrators use and the creativity they use. I also think using picture books can inspire the students as to what they want to create when they make their own piece of art.


So What can I do to effectively prepare to teach about artists and their techniques/styles? 


I feel that the best way to prepare to teach about artists and their techniques/styles is to do similar preparation that I did with my group to prepare for our group project. We researched the artist and their background, different books and illustrations they have done, the mediums they use, as well as the different techniques. 


Now What -  Why will that be important to me and to my students?


As we have discussed multiple times in class as well as read in the text. Art helps students in more ways than creativity. It will help my students develop better skills in all subjects. As a teacher I feel that if I can master teaching the arts I will be a better teacher because I will be able to reach my students on all levels and help them learn which style of learning they enjoy most.