SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-10 Q1

Media Arts

Essential Understanding

Introduction to the Principles of Art

Overview -

The Principles of art:
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The elements of art; line, shape, texture, color, form, value and space represent the building
blocks of art. These are the tools we use when creating art. The principles are the concepts we
use to organize the elements. The principles are what we use as “rules” when working with the
elements. For instance if you look at the above work of art and consider the element of line,
shape and color along with the principles of balance, rhythm and movement it becomes clear
how understanding the concepts of balance, rhythm and movement are essential to design this
piece effectively.
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In looking critically at the work above, notice how the the figure is set off to the right of the

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DYANE GOLDMAN
 SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12

center and his leg lifted to the left and arms flung to his back like wings helps to “balance” the
image. The line drawings on his calf and thigh create an area of interest the viewer can trace with
their eye from the bottom of his foot and follow along to the top of his thigh and down again to
the opposite foot. The gestural stance of the figure helps to embody and illustrate rhythm and
movement as do the colors and lines. The shapes of color that bisects the center of the piece
horizontally also creates a balance between the top, bottom and center.
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Guiding question 1: How can working with The Principles of Art help to
organize the elements of art into innovative and interesting works of art.

Lessons

____1. Introduction to the this study guide, classroom agreements, equipment, materials, late
work, group work, etc.)
____2. Materials lesson (computer, pencils, erasers, paint brushes, paint).
____3. Lesson on The Principles of Art.
____4. Introduction to the Sketchbook assignment.
____5. Introduction to the computer, the server and how to access and save files.
____6. Photoshop lesson.
____7. Introduction to Weebly and blogging (time permitting).
____8. Lesson on line/value project “wormies”.
___9. Lesson on Critiquing and critical thinking in art (how to describe, analyze, interpret and
judge works of art).
• To receive credit for lesson have me initial (10 points each)
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Individual Work (due 9/15-9/16)
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Drawing/Painting
___1. Read the overview and mark it up.
___2. Participate in the lesson on “The Principles of Art”.
___3. Fill in the graphic organizer (Elements of Art).
___4. Paste or tape in sketchbook the ABCs Principles handout.
___5. Sketchbook assignment: In your sketchbook cutout an example of each principle (no more
than 3 per page) include a description with the example in your own words; why the picture is a
“good” example.
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___6. Personal Project: Make a “wormie” line/movement/value drawing and color in using 4

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DYANE GOLDMAN
 SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-10 Q1

4 colors adding “VALUE” by going from darker to lighter in some way.

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___7. Create a Zen Tangle Tile for the group/class grid: Choose from the selection of numbered
tiles. Trace the lines in the tile and transfer the lines to your personal tile. Use the line/pattern
examples or make up your own the only requirement is repetition, neat lines and black ink. You
can start with pencil but you must finish with black ink. Keep your work neat with clean lines for
full credit.
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Group Work (due October 8/9 )
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1. As a group you will choose a work of art to critique. Please include how they used the
principles and elements to create the work of art. Fill out and hand in next page for credit.
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Choose from the following artists:
Van Gough
Barbara Kruger
Andy Warhol
Robert Rauschenberg
Frida Kahlo
Diego Rivera
Banksy
Jean-Michael Basquiat
Blek le Rat
C215
Salvador Dali
Edgar Degas
Henri Matisse
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DYANE GOLDMAN
 SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12

Fill out and turn in for group credit.

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Names of group members_____________________________________________________
Name of the artist?______________What is the name of this work?____________________

Where is it?___________________What medium is it?_____________Date of piece_______




1.
Describe: Tell exactly what you see









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2.
Analyze: Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form





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3.
Interpret: Consider the following


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What is the artist trying to say?





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What caused the artist to say it?





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What is the historical milieu that surrounds the work of art?





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Why was the work of art created in this particular style?







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4.
Evaluate: How successful or important is the work of art?

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DYANE GOLDMAN
 SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-10 Q1

Individual Digital Work (due______) After receiving a lesson on Photoshop:

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___1. Play with photoshop and create a 640x480 pixel document with your name. Be inventive.
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Complete the following tutorials:
___2. Layers (burger/sandwich)
___3. Tools (Mr. Melon Head)
___4. Type/Text (Clock)
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After completing the tutorials:
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___5. The Elements project. (worth 100 points)
Elements Grid Project:
___1-In Photoshop create a 4 column and 4 row grid.
___2-Digitally represent 4 of the seven elements using the principles four different ways
using only TEXT (the type tool) you may repeat, use color, opacity and other means to
represent “Visually” each element three times.
___3-You MUST include 4 principles
___4- You MUST include 4 elements
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DYANE GOLDMAN
SUBJECT: MEDIA ARTS

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12

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DYANE GOLDMAN