Understanding Art
A Guide for Teachers
Art Methods
In any area of the curriculum, children need to learn concepts, facts, and skills through first-hand experience. In art, such learning depends on exploring and experimenting with the visual language through which artists communicate, and the visual elements such as line, color, and shape.
This book systematically explores the basic knowledge needed to do this effectively. The author deals with the visual elements of art, their properties, how they are related, and especially the ways in which children's knowledge of each can be developed through simple but creative activities. Each element is placed in context, with extensive cross-referencing. The author shows how these elements can be observed in the children's environment and provides examples of how they have been used in works of art and craft.
Contents include:
- Art as exploration
- Point
- Line
- Tone
- Mixing and controlling color
- Perceiving and observing color
- Responding to color
- Shape
- Space
- Form
- Texture
- Pattern
This accessible book does not assume any specialist knowledge or experience. It is essential for teachers at primary and secondary levels, art coordinators, and for undergraduate and postgraduate level students of art education.
This is a great starter to give teachers the confidence t get creative in the classroom. It's full of practical ideas which our students can take straight into the classroom.
The book contains some useful information and tools to share with students regarding formal elements. I have adopted this book for the programme of study and adapt resource to suit post 16 education. The only bother I had was the use of the word children when referring to students as this is not applicable to the level I teach.
Short sharp chapters, straight to the point. Need-to-know reference textbook
This is a useful text which supports our teaching of Y1 BA students with their subject knowledge. We refer particularly to the sections on line, on colour and on form. Useful discussion about space and ideas about sculpture in space which can be shared with children.
beautifully designed introduction to the basic analytical concepts of visual art appreciation
This is an excellent book which I recommend to all Art Teachers. The author manages to relay the fundamentals of Art through great emphasis on experimentation and simple terminology.
I recommend it to all Art teachers!
A very accessible book, well structured and gives confidence to ITE students (Primary PGCE) when they are unsure of their artistic abilities. I recommend this book to students and would recommend a copy to be placed in schools.
Clear, concise and very informative. A good general guide for any teacher undertaking the teaching of art, particularly a non- specialist primary classroom practitioner. I like the image plates and step by step instructions.. I have put this on the book list for all the art modules
This is a very informative book which is highly readable with much content which may interest some of our trainees. I shall therefore draw their attention to it during the art course
This text contains a wealth of information in an accessible format. Helpful illustrations are included throughout and key terms are defined and explored in detail. It would make a very useful reference book for PGCE students, both in helping with lesson planning and also in writing assignments about primary and secondary art education.
Sage College Publishing
