Dexter Schools Art Programs use the
Principles of Elements and Design
as the basis for instruction in art.
The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a work of art. The elements of design can be thought of as the things that make up a painting, drawing, design etc.
All paintings will contain most of, if not all, the seven elements of design.
The Principles of design can be thought of as what we do to the elements of design. How we apply the principles of design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art.
THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
LINE
Line can be considered in two ways. The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.
SHAPE
A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.
DIRECTION
All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique.
Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity.
Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness.
Oblique suggests movement and action.
SIZE
Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.
TEXTURE
Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.
COLOR
Also called Hue
VALUE
Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is also called Tone.
THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
BALANCE
A large shape close to the center can be balanced
by a small shape close to the edge. A large light
toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned
shape.
GRADATION
Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation of of color from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce perspective. Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape.
REPETITION
Repetition of an art element with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous.
CONTRAST
Contrast is the use of opposing elements such as opposite colors on the color wheel - red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical.
HARMONY
Harmony in painting is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. Adjacent colors on the color wheel, similar shapes etc.
DOMINANCE
Dominance gives a painting interest and lessons monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis.
UNITY
Relating the design elements to the the idea being expressed in a painting reinforces the principal of unity. Unity in a painting also refers to the visual combining of various elements of the work.
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Art Wish List 2012-2013
One man's junk is an art teacher's treasure!
Keep an eye out around your house for items that could come in handy in our art room!
I can always use items from the list below! Feel free to drop items off at Bates or just send them in with your child.
Thanks in advance for any donations!
Julie Nichols
• yarn/string
• fabric/various cloth materials
• plastic tubs with lids(butter, cottage cheese. etc)
• beads and buttons
• ribbon and trim
• sponges
• aluminum foil
• aluminum pie tins (small and large)
• paper towels
• magazines
• newspaper (we use a lot)
• fake flowers
• wire
• art/photography books
• old calendars with neat pictures
• leftover cupcake sprinkles (not to eat)
• kitchen utensils (clay work)
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Paper Towels
• Kleenex / Facial Tissue
• miscellaneous lumber/2x4s at various lengths through 12”
• Q-tips
• brown or any color lunch bags
• inexpensive paper plates/dessert size and regular size
• paper cups
• zip lock bags (assorted sizes)
• sanitizing wipes
• large glue sticks
• hand sanitizer
• baby wipes
• flattened cereal boxes
• large trays to transport projects and supplies
• old wooden picture frames (with or without glass)
[email protected]
Julie Nichols
Art Teacher
Bates Elementary
2704 Baker Road
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 424-4130 #3304
“The world is but a canvas to the imagination!"
-Henry David Thoreau
One man's junk is an art teacher's treasure!
Keep an eye out around your house for items that could come in handy in our art room!
I can always use items from the list below! Feel free to drop items off at Bates or just send them in with your child.
Thanks in advance for any donations!
Julie Nichols
• yarn/string
• fabric/various cloth materials
• plastic tubs with lids(butter, cottage cheese. etc)
• beads and buttons
• ribbon and trim
• sponges
• aluminum foil
• aluminum pie tins (small and large)
• paper towels
• magazines
• newspaper (we use a lot)
• fake flowers
• wire
• art/photography books
• old calendars with neat pictures
• leftover cupcake sprinkles (not to eat)
• kitchen utensils (clay work)
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Paper Towels
• Kleenex / Facial Tissue
• miscellaneous lumber/2x4s at various lengths through 12”
• Q-tips
• brown or any color lunch bags
• inexpensive paper plates/dessert size and regular size
• paper cups
• zip lock bags (assorted sizes)
• sanitizing wipes
• large glue sticks
• hand sanitizer
• baby wipes
• flattened cereal boxes
• large trays to transport projects and supplies
• old wooden picture frames (with or without glass)
[email protected]
Julie Nichols
Art Teacher
Bates Elementary
2704 Baker Road
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 424-4130 #3304
“The world is but a canvas to the imagination!"
-Henry David Thoreau
When do art projects come home?
At Bates Elementary, we have our Annual Art and Eat Fund Raiser in May. Students' artwork is stored, mounted, and displayed for this school-wide event. Between ten to fifteen projects from each student are display on this special night. Following this event, students' artwork is wrapped up to take home. You will be notified as to what day student art packages are ready to be picked up if you do not want your child taking them home on the bus.
What can I do to help in the art room?
Because the year has just started, there is not a lot of completed artwork to mount and hang up throughout the building. However, within a few weeks there will be plenty to do in both these areas. Check back on this site for updated help needs.
Thank you in advance for sharing your time and skills with the students at Bates!
My child said they were starting out the year in art by working on their portfolios. What are they?
All students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade make beginning of the year portfolios. The portfolio consists of
a set of four drawings: a picture of themselves, a drawing of a four legged animal, a picture of their house and a vehicle.
Each year the students do these same four drawings. At the end of fourth grade, students are given the combined sets of portfolios as a personal reflection of their growth as an artist.
At Bates Elementary, we have our Annual Art and Eat Fund Raiser in May. Students' artwork is stored, mounted, and displayed for this school-wide event. Between ten to fifteen projects from each student are display on this special night. Following this event, students' artwork is wrapped up to take home. You will be notified as to what day student art packages are ready to be picked up if you do not want your child taking them home on the bus.
What can I do to help in the art room?
Because the year has just started, there is not a lot of completed artwork to mount and hang up throughout the building. However, within a few weeks there will be plenty to do in both these areas. Check back on this site for updated help needs.
Thank you in advance for sharing your time and skills with the students at Bates!
My child said they were starting out the year in art by working on their portfolios. What are they?
All students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade make beginning of the year portfolios. The portfolio consists of
a set of four drawings: a picture of themselves, a drawing of a four legged animal, a picture of their house and a vehicle.
Each year the students do these same four drawings. At the end of fourth grade, students are given the combined sets of portfolios as a personal reflection of their growth as an artist.