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Visual Art

"VISION"

"THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS"

Eleanor Roosevelt

THE ART OF SEEING

Art appreciation is a skill that can be learned. The process of expanding your awareness of art

as well as creating visual art begins with simply looking with full awareness.

The impulse to create art is so strong that artworks have appeared in all cultures from the earliest days of our history. Children begin trying to shape materials in their environment into artistic creations as soon as their hands are able. This effort usually continues unless it is stifled by those who try to teach us the “right” way to make art or insist one “color within the lines”.

The drive to create is manifested in many ways. One is the desire to represent what we see in the outer world around us. Such art is called representational or figurative work. Second, there is the desire to explore our own inner world. One aspect of this inner world is the capacity for fantasy – for imagining things that have never been seen.

We are surrounded by infinite examples of beauty in Nature that when discovered and explored reveals a master plan of organization. It is through this study of Nature that a child discovers his/her power to create. Nature reveals herself through a language of basic elements and principles of design. Visual aspects of Nature, experienced through art, become intuitive resources. The bridge to our potential and developing this potential is the Language of the Imagination.

Creative Visual Art Philosophy:

Children and Parents Network focuses on visual art and developing the artistic philosophy of "structured creativity" through enjoyable projects. This is effectively accomplished by weaving together the four essentials of visual art in a sequentially organized process. This philosophy and methodology is the foundation or "structure" necessary to develop visual art intelligence and create tangible results.

Four Essentials:

Aesthetic Perception - Children use their senses, knowledge and feelings to find meaning in their environment and in works of art.

Creative Expression - Children explore art in a variety of media. They learn to develop and apply design concepts to expressive and imaginative themes. They relate art to everyday life and nature. Children are encouraged to develop and refine their own ideas for artwork.

Art History - It is necessary to understand one's native culture in order to appreciate the global community. Children explore their own as well as global artistic traditions and cultures. Projects acquaint children with diverse styles and interpretations of common themes in art, such as animals, people and the environment.

Art Critique - Children learn the process of perceiving, interpreting and critiquing their own and others' art. The ability to make informed judgments about art requires critical thinking skills as well as knowledge about art.

• These essentials are integrated into each project.
• This approach develops an informed appreciation of art and an interest in learning more about art.

Basic Elements:

1-line
2-shape
3-form
4-space
5-texture
6-color
7-effects of light

Through enjoyable projects, children are given opportunities to explore and develop these elements and principles. It is through the study and mastery of these factors that children can begin to create 2-D and 3-D works of art while expressing his/her unique and personal creativity.

Principles of Design:

1-Proportion
2-Variety
3-Balance
4-Repetition
5-Pattern
6-Harmony
7-Rhythm

These elements and principles will form the basics for your adventures with creativity and imagination.

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