I've found it important to have a coherent framework when teaching art when working with the same group for a number of lessons.

I have seen teachers successfully use as frameworks: Mediums (pencil, watercolor, pastel, etc.), Elements of Art, Artistic Principles, Famous Artists, and even Artistic Periods. The framework that I have found works best for me is "Elements of Art".

The Elements of Art are: Line, Shape, Color, Perspective, Value, and Texture. These simple elements are found in every artwork to some degree.

In the course of a year-long class, I would normally introduce all of the elements in the first lesson and then go on to flesh out each element in a couple-week period.

In this lens, there will be separate sections for each of these elements with corresponding lesson plans and links to Classical art that could be used to illustrate the specific element. (Please be patient with me while I get it all up and running!)

Lessons on Line:

This Line is a...

Crayon Doodles

Great Artworks to illustrate the element of Line:

Marcel Duchamp

"Nude Descending a Staircase"(see picture to right)

Vasarely

"Cheyt M"

Vincent Van Gogh

"The Blue Cart"

Lessons on Shape:

Think Outside the Page

Cut Shapes Collage

Great Artworks to illustrate the element of Shape:

Frederic Remington

"Coming to the Call" (See picture to the right)

Degas

"Absinthe"

Great Artworks to illustrate the element of Color:

Arshile Gorky

"Water Flowery Mill"(See picture to the right)

Vincent Van Gogh

"Bedroom at Arles"

Robert Rauschenberg

"Rebus"

Lessons on Texture:

Styrofoam Print

Great Artworks to illustrate the element of Texture:

Elaine Coleman

"Untitled"(See picture to the right)

Berthe Morisot

"Girl in a Boat with Geese"

Vincent Van Gogh

"The Starry Night"