Art Element Cup

Lesson Objective: Introduction to the art elements through a styrofoam cup

Key Vocabulary: 

Materials: 

Styrofoam Cup

Xacto Knife 

Hot Glue 

Focus: Elements of Art 

CA Art Standards:

1.1 Identify and use the principles of design to discuss, analyze, and write about visual aspects in the environment and in works of art, including their own.

1.3 Research and analyze the work of an artist and write about the artist's distinctive style and its contribution to the meaning of the work.

2.1 Solve a visual arts problem that involves the effective use of the elements of art and the principles of design.

2.2 Prepare a portfolio of original two-and three-dimensional works of art that reflects refined craftsmanship and technical skills.

3.3 Identify and describe trends in the visual arts and discuss how the issues of time, place, and cultural influence are reflected in selected works of art.

4.3 Formulate and support a position regarding the aesthetic value of a specific work of art and change or defend that position after considering the views of others.

5.0 Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in the Visual Arts to Other Art Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers

Modifications: 

English Language Learner: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques

Special Needs: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques

Accelerated Learner: Expand on skills learned to create a unique project. 

Scaffolding adaptations: 

Students will revisit art elements from the earlier learning. We will use similar visuals to refresh previous knowledge.  Notes will be taken throughout discussions for added understanding. Creating sketchbook plans and Constructing final project will be demo started in class using guided instruction.

Direct instruction: Art Elements: 

LINE

What is a line?

Geometrically, it connects two points. 

A line is a path traced by a moving point, i.e. a pencil point or a paintbrush. 

We see lines all around us. 

Line is a vital element of any artwork.

Actual 

Implied

Contour

Horizontal 

Vertical

Diagonal

Flat

Sharp/Angled

Gestural 

Actual Line: Marks or objects that are real lines; they exist physically. 

Examples of actual lines include lines painted on a highway, tree branches & Ladder.

Contour lines define the edges of objects:

Edges of a table

Edges of figure

Contour lines define both the edges of the object & the negative space between them

Implied Lines

Lines that we see in our mind’s eye that fill in the spaces between objects: 

Rows of windows in a large office building.

Outside line between fruit and background 

Sharply angled lines: Excitement, Anger, Danger & Chaos.

Gestural lines: reveal the touch of the artist’s hand, arm--and sometimes the entire body—in the artwork.

PROJECT: In Your sketchbook: 

Use your pencil

Draw three 3” squares

Try different ideas with a focus on LINE. 

How will you transition your line ideas to the cup? 

SHAPE: 

A shape is a closed line. A shape is flat.

The easiest way to see the shape of an object:  look at shadows. 

Shadows flatten a 3D object into a flat shape. 

Shadows enable you to see the object without details like color and texture.

Geometric Shape

Organic Shape

Implied Shape

Hard edge shape

Soft edge shape

Geometric shapes are mathematically determined

Organic shapes are the type you see in nature.

Implied Shape: The spaces between objects. We see those spaces as shapes, even though they are Implied. 

Hard Edged Shape: are clearly distinguished from each other 

Convey a sense of: 

order

clarity

strength.

Soft Edged Shape

Soft edged shapes have a tendency to blend with each other or the ground

Convey a sense of:

fluidity

flexibility

tend to feel lighter in weight.

PROJECT: In your sketchbook: Plan your cup using SHAPE

Use at one type of shape we discussed

organic

geometric

implied

hard edge

soft edge

When you have a concrete sketchbook plan completed/approved

Complete your plan using Practice cup and scissors 

If time allows, You can revisit: Line.

COLOR: 

Color has a huge effect on our daily lives.

Everyday our emotions, moods,  physical sensation (appetite) are influenced by the colors that surround us.

Primary: Red, Yellow, Blue

Secondary Colors: Green, Violet, Orange

Tertiary Colors: Yellow-Green, Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet, Red-Orange

Complementary Colors

Colors Opposite on the color wheel: 

Red and Green

Yellow and Purple

Blue and Orange

High Contrast 

Draws attention

Analogous Colors

Colors Next door on the color wheel:

  Green and blue

Yellow and orange

Violet and red

Analogous colors blend with each other.

PROJECT: In your sketchbook: Plan your 3” Color cube side

Use at least two color schemes we discussed

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary 

Complementary

Analogous

When you have a concrete plan in place in your sketchbook:

Pick one of the 6 sides of your cube

Complete your plan using any materials provided 

VALUE : TINTS AND SHADES. VALUE is the lightness or darkness of a hue (color).

Pure Color (Hue) is located in the center of a value scale.

No added white or black

Color from the tube. 

Create lighter value by mixing white with pure color: This is called a TINT.

Create darker values by mixing black  with the Pure Color: This is called a SHADE.  

PROJECT: 

Create a Value Scale 

Hold your pencil in the middle to create a medium (pure) hue. 

Tint: Hold your pencil near the eraser

Shade: Hole your pencil near the lead. 

Create a five block value scale 

In your sketchbook: Plan value idea for the cup

Use value scale techniques we discussed

Add white and black to paint to show value scale

Use varying pressure with pencil to create value scale

 Use both techniques

When you have a concrete plan in place in your sketchbook:

Get it approved

Complete your plan using any materials provided 

Texture: The surface quality that can be seen and/or felt

Texture can be rough smooth soft or hard. (Actual) 

Textures do not always feel the way they look (visual).

The illusion of having physical texture.

Texture in 2D artwork

Artist gives the look of texture through the medium. 

Actual texture: the tactile qualities of the physical surface of the object. 

Differentiates from visual texture: It has a physical quality that can be felt by touch. 

PROJECT: In your sketchbook: 

Plan your texture for your cup

Use the two texture types we discussed

Visual

Tactile or Actual Texture

When you have a concrete Sketchbook plan approved 

Apply idea to your cup

Complete your plan using any materials provided 

SPACE: Positive shapes occupy positive space. 

The area around positive shapes (the background) is negative space. 

In this diagram, the negative shapes are as clear and distinct as the positive shapes.

Negative space: is the space around/between the subject(s) of an image. 

Negative space is most evident when the space around a subject forms an interesting/relevant shape. 

In this case, the NEGATIVE space: The Arrow. 

Space is  always a part of artwork

The setting a sculpture is in becomes part of how it is viewed and the overall effect 

Implied Space: Illusion. In two-dimensional (2D) work

PROJECT: In your sketchbook: Plan how you will show space in your cup

Use the types of Space we discussed

Positive/Negative

Implied

Overlapping

Size

Linear perspective 

When you have a concrete plan in place in your sketchbook:

Complete your plan using any materials provided 

FINAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: 

Design and create Art Elements Cup

Create sketchbook study of each element decision 

Complete each aspect of the cup with art elements based on knowledge gained in class discussions

Revise and refine final cup using various supplies provided 

Final cup should become a sculpture, must use all pieces of cup