The visual arts has its own vocabulary. It is important for students to understand the words that artists use to describe their work.
Fourth grade students talked about line. They found it hard to define without using words like straight, or thin. One student said that it extends forever in both directions. I then drew a short line on my chalk board. We all laughed about it, but I then realized he was correct--if he was in math class. The geometric definition of a line is different than the definition that artists use.
Line-a mark made by a tool as it moves across a surface.
We discussed how a line could be made by a pencil, a piece of chalk, a glue bottle, even a toe as it drags across sand on a beach. I believe this discussion changed fourth graders perception of line.
Next we talked about a particular type of lines used in art-contour lines. Contour lines are lines that define an edge, shape, or body. I showed students how you could use contour lines to draw your own hand. Students were told to concentrate hard and spend more time looking at their hand than their drawing.
Students will draw overlapping contour line drawings of their hands and then fill this with various patterns and textures.
Sounds like a great, yet simple, lesson! Make sure you post some photos of the artwork your fourth graders create...i'd love to see it! I'm interested in doing a cross country collaboration...I've never done that before. It might be fun! What state do you live in?
ReplyDelete