GRADE LEVEL ART BENCHMARKS 7 & 8th Grade
EALR 1 The student understand and applies visual art knowledge and skills
Benchmark : Explains and applies the concepts of visual art using arts
vocabulary.
Elements of Art
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Line
 Explain and demonstrate how line defines form and space
 Use line to express mood
 Use converging lines, horizon and vanishing points to show depth
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Shape/Form
 Identify and create 2D (illusionary) form
 Create 3/D sculptural form
 Use shape expressively
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Texture
 Integrate texture with other art elements for expressive purpose
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Color.
 Identify and mix complementary colors to form neutrals(browns)
 Identify color attributes: hue, value and intensity
 Identify and use warm and cool colors as advancing and receding in
space
 Use color to express mood
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Space
 Use linear and aerial devices to create depth
Understand and demonstrate the Element of Value
 Use value to create mood
 Use value to create depth
Principles of Design
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Repetition/Pattern
 Understand how repetition enhances an artwork
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Emphasis /Dominance
 Use emphasis in an art work to create a focal point
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Movement/Rhythm
 Use several art elements to create visual movement in an original
composition
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Variety/Contrast
 Manipulate multiple elements to create variety/contrast for a specific
purpose, in an artwork
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Balance
 Balance forms in 3D work
 Balance unrelated elements in an artwork
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Proportion
 Use proportion to analyze size relationships in an art work
Understand and demonstrate the Principle of Unity/Harmony
 Integrate multiple elements to unify an artwork
EALR 1.2 Benchmark : Develops arts skills and techniques
 Uses spatial devices
 Understand and demonstrate eye-level in perspective drawing
 Understand and demonstrate one and two point perspective
 Understand and demonstrate converging lines in interior and exterior
scenes
 Demonstrates the use of value and texture in drawing
 Refine shading techniques in observational drawing
 Refine the use of texture in drawing
 Understand and demonstrate gradations of value both in neutrals and
colors.
 Use proportion in figure drawing
 Use exaggeration and simplification
 Use line, shape color value texture and space selectively for intent in
drawing and painting
 Use line, shape color value texture and space selectively for intent in
sculptural works
 Present work for display
 Select mat colors and sizes to compliment artwork
 Center artwork in a mat or mount
EALR 1.3 Benchmark : Applies techniques from various artists, cultures and or
times
 Knows the difference between realistic, non-objective, and abstract works
of art
 Creates realistic, non-objective, and abstract works of art
EALR 1.4 Benchmark : Understands and demonstrates the relationship and
interactive responsibilities of the artist / performer and audience
 Stays within appropriate viewing space at school displays, galleries and
museums
 Maintaining respectful noise levels in exhibition spaces
EALR 2. The student demonstrates thinking skills using artistic processes
Benchmark: Develops work using a creative process with instructor
assistance
 Applies previously learned arts concepts, vocabulary, skills and
techniques through a creative process.
EALR 2.1 Applies a creative process in the arts:
 Conceptualizes the context or purpose
 Gathers information from diverse sources
 Develops ideas and techniques
 Organizes arts elements, forms, and/or principles into a creative
work
 Reflects self evaluation
 Refines work based on feedback
 Presents work to others
EALR 2.2 Applies a performance process in the arts:
Applies previously learned arts concepts, vocabulary, skills, and techniques
through a performance process







Identifies audience and purpose
Selects artistic work (repertoire) to perform
Analyzes the structure and background of work< of background and
structure>
Interprets by developing a personal approach to the work
Rehearses, adjusts, and refines through evaluation and problem solving
Presents work for others
Reflects and evaluates
EALR 2.3 Applies a responding process to an arts presentation:
Benchmark : Applies a responding process to an arts presentation with instructor
assistance
Applies previously learned arts concepts, vocabulary, skills, and techniques
through a responding process.




Engages actively and purposefully
Describes what is seen and/or heard how the elements are arranged and
organized
Interprets based on descriptive properties
Evaluates using supportive evidence and criteria
EALR 3. The student communicates through the arts.
3.1 Uses the arts to express and
present ideas and feelings
Benchmark 2: Expresses ideas and feelings through
the arts in a variety of styles describes use and misuse
of pre-existing artistic works to communicate
3.2 Uses the arts to communicate for a
specific purpose
Benchmark 2: Creates and/or performs an artwork to
communicate for a selected purpose with instructor
assistance
3.3 Develops personal aesthetic criteria
to communicate artistic choices
Benchmark 2: Explains how aesthetic choices are
influenced by culture and history
4. The student makes connections within and across the arts, to other disciplines, life,
cultures, and work.
4.1 Demonstrates and analyzes the
connections among the arts
disciplines
Benchmark 2: Compares and contrasts attributes of
personal art work with other arts disciplines
4.2 Demonstrates and analyzes the
connections between the arts
and other content areas
Benchmark 2: Explains relationships between the arts and
other content areas
4.3 Understands how the arts
impact lifelong choices
Benchmark 2: Analyzes how the arts impact choices in
natural and constructed environments
4.4 Understands that the arts shape Benchmark 2: Compares and contrasts specific attributes
and reflect culture and history
of artworks that reflect culture and history
4.5 Demonstrates knowledge of
arts careers and the role of arts
skills in the world of work
Benchmark 2: Describes work habits and skills needed for
careers in the arts; Explains how art skills and knowledge
are used in the world of work