Self Portraits

It was interesting to see the transitioning from the first picture to the second, and the second to the third. There was a huge difference from the first to the second, being able to look at the picture helped a lot. There was a lot more detail. Although, I didn't like the outcome of my third picture. I felt like the second one turned out better. 

Art Criticism in the Classroom

"Art criticism is the term given to talking writing and thinking about artworks." (The Arts and the Creation of Mind by Elliot Eisner Ch 22) It is important for kids to expand their minds. Teachers can ask questions that allow their kids to think in different ways such as, "what is it?" "What does it mean?" and "what is its value?" Also hearing other peoples points of views helps you learn to think in different ways as well. 


As I was looking for different ideas for why art criticism is important I found a lesson plan. Different ideas I found are to have them critique their own work by asking them questions such as 

• Look carefully at the work of art in front of you. What colors do you see in it? List the specific colors that you see.
• What objects do you see in the work of art in front of you? List the objects that you see.
• What is going on in this work of art? Mention whatever you see happening, no matter how small.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/elem/criticism.htm

I think kids learn more from critiquing their own work when they make it themselves than critiquing other peoples because they know how much work they put into it. 

 

Art and art criticism are important because "students will build skills gradually, which will help to build their confidence as artists and critical thinkers and will expand their knowledge base about art and the world, as they will have a wide variety of experiences in the visual arts." (http://www1.cbsd.org/curriculum/art/pages/elementaryart.aspx) Criticism usually sounds bad but when children get good feedback on their art it boosts their confidence and makes them feel good about themselves. 

My very own Picasso head!

I really enjoyed this assignment. It was fun because we didn't really know what we were doing. After drawing our person without being able to look at the paper or lift the pen, we were then asked to do eight different designs/textures. I was so confused with what we were doing but when i found out i was really excited. I was very happy with the way my person turned out and I was excited to add color to it even if it does look a little creepy. After we first drew the faces I went home and showed all my roommates and told them I wanted to draw them. It has definitely been my favorite assignment so far. I feel like no matter how artistic any of us were all our pictures would look great. 

This has probably by far been my favorite piece we've done. I enjoyed it because no matter how artistic you are, you can make it look great because it's all about creativity.

Why is it important to teach art?

There are many different reasons why art is important to be taught in the classroom. As stated in The Arts and the Creation of Mind by Elliot Eisner (Chapter 4) it states, "art provides a mirror, reflecting the group's unique sense of cultural identity." Different cultures have different tastes in art and creativity. Art is a fun way to learn about different cultures. Yes you learn about different cultures in history, but art is a much more fun way to learn about cultures. 


Another reason that it is important to teach art is because so many careers go along with art. Some examples are, "filmmaking, publishing, photography, architecture, computer graphics, interior design, product design, fashion design, landscape design, architecture, and advertising art. (The Arts and the Creation of Mind by Elliot Eisner ch.4) These are all careers that require "visual creativity"


Another reason that artwork is important for kids to do is because it"is a way that children are free to express their emotions in a safe and contained environment." (http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Importance-Of-Art-For-Children/435963) Some kids do not know how to express themselves in an appropriate way and art can be like an escape for them. 


"Picasso once said that all children are born artists, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up." (http://www.artally.org/index.php/art-education/importance-fostering-creativity/) Children need to to continue to learn about art and enhance their creativity in order to keep that creativity throughout their lives. 


These are a few examples of why it is important to teach art. Not only that but it is important for kids to have a different way of looking at things. It allows them to use their minds in a way they've never been used before. It also allows children to express themselves in different ways. 

What Is Art?

There are many different types of art. I think that art is something that causes you to think. Art is something that involves creativity. There are many things that some people consider art, and others do not. A lot of what people consider art may be a personal opinion. One type of art that I really enjoy is photography. I enjoy capturing a photo that means something to me, or even if I just like how something looks. Sometimes I see paintings and I wonder how that is even considered art, or I wonder what they were thinking when they did their piece. It is all about what the artist is trying to portray and the meaning behind what they did. 

My Mandala

My mandala represents who I am and what I enjoy doing. I have my name in the middle. I also have people representing friends and family because I enjoy being surrounded by people who uplift me. I have a keyboard because I used to play the piano. I don't play as much as I used to, but playing the piano is still something that I enjoy doing. I also have a scenery of California. I was born in California and lived there till I was six years old. I go back several times a year to visit and most of my family lives there. Some of my most favorite memories in my life took place while I was in California. It is a big part of who I am.