Slide 1
Elements of Art & Principles of Design
Who has heard of them? [Where have we heard “Elements” before? Chemistry-periodic
table of elements. Where have we heard “Principles” before? Principle is different than
Principal - Principles are rules.]
Can you name them? How many elements? [7] How many principles? [5-8]
Do you know ALL of them?
Do you have examples of each one?
In pear deck, write what you already know or write a question.
Slide 2
You will see some pictures on the board - you will observe them and discuss with a
table partner. Be sure to add your responses to the pear deck.
Look at picture one and picture two, take a moment to observe - What do they have in
common? (30 seconds) What is different about them? (30 seconds). Share out.
Now compare all 3 pictures - What do they have in common? What is different about
them?
Type your answers into pear deck if you haven’t yet. What is common among the
pictures and what is different?
[ALL pictures have legos and the same colors. The legos are arranged differently.
Picture 2 and 3 are “ordered” but in a different way. Picture 3 looks like a completed
project. Both picture 2 and 3 look like the pieces were put together with intention/ “on
purpose.” Picture 1 looks incomplete but could be interesting to some.]
THIS is the basic foundation of observing and critiquing art. But we are going to push it
further by learning common vocabulary terms to understand the artists’ process and
build on our own understanding. We are going to keep pushing the needle forward!
Slide 3
In pear deck, draw what you know! (3 minutes)
Basic elements are the building blocks. We can easily identify them by looking at the
picture. They are more objective than subjective (Right or wrong answer as opposed to
a “gray” area, Subjective can depend on the viewer). It’s helpful to know some basic
knowledge of the artwork medium (colored pencil, oil paint, watercolor, etc.) to best
identify the elements, especially with line.
Giving the artwork some intentionality can enhance the work.
Slide 4
What word is crossed out here? [I crossed out applying and said giving BECAUSE the
value and meaning of an artwork can depend more on the viewer than the artist. So, the
planned or intended way that the artist applies their elements to the artwork does not
always reach the viewer. Sometimes, the artist did not plan or intend anything with their
work, but the viewers interpret some intention. So in that case, the viewer, NOT the
artist, is GIVING the artwork intention.]
Slide 5
Principles are the “rules” of how an artist gives order and intentionality to the elements
within the artwork.
Slide 6
Select at least one type of line that you see in the artwork.
Slide 7
Here is the official definition we will work with.
Take a look at this artwork. This is called I and the Village by Marc Chagall.
Turn to your table mates and discuss questions 1-3. Add your answers to the pear deck.