This study of third graders examined the relative effects, under two conditions each, of two teaching methods: modeling of the contour drawing process and presentation of predrawn examples. Analysis of children's posttest drawings for visual information content indicated that predrawn examples were more effective than modeling as a teaching…

The author discusses children's developing conceptions of how to represent objects artistically. She compares the use of detail, line, viewpoint, and dimension in imaginative and observational drawings by concrete-operational children and cites their opinions about the accuracy of their work. Part of a series on children's art. (SJL)

The author offers these suggestions for increasing the creative component of elementary fine arts education: In art, encourage drawing, not just crafts; in music, use classical and folk music, as well as popular songs; for physical development, deemphasize team sports in favor of fitness and creative movement. (SJL)

Using 103 adult art students, this study sought to develop a theoretical model for identifying those gifted in art, based on the hypothesis that cognitive complexity, executive skill in drawing, and affective intensity correlate significantly with behaviors consistent with artistic success. Results confirmed the importance and measurability of…

Even miles from the nearest wave young children can delight in seaside skills and subjects. (Editor)

Four studies tested claims that young children are inhibited in attempts to change drawings because of constraints by order in which representational elements are drawn. Found that procedural rigidity levels did not predict preschoolers' performance when asked to change their representation and that preschoolers could change rigid sub-procedures…

Describes an art project using the technique called "Batik" that incorporated watercolor painting with mixed media to appeal to students in a combined art class. Discusses how the students created their artworks and includes a list of materials and objectives. (CMK)

Describes an art lesson in which students sketch drawings of flowers and use watercolor paper and other materials to paint a landscape. Explains that the students also learn about impressionism in this lesson. Discusses how the students prepare the paper and create their artwork. (CMK)

Describes an art project used with high school students in an advanced drawing course in which they created their own self portraits. Explains that the students drew a self portrait showing their arm and hand extended outward in the picture. Includes a list of objectives and art materials. (CMK)

Presents an interdisciplinary lesson that combines art and language arts. Explains that third and fourth grade students explored the meanings of different idioms and created a picture showing the literal meaning of an idiom. Includes a list of art materials. (CMK)

Describes a lesson that teaches kindergarten students how to enlarge a smaller drawing onto a bigger piece of paper. Explains that the students create their heart-shape designs using tempera paint and pastels in the larger picture. Includes a list of materials. (CMK)

Describes an art project for junior and senior high school students called the wrapped chair project where students wrapped chairs using torn sheets in the style of artists, Christo Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude de-Guillebon. Explains that students created thumbnail sketches and drew their finished drawing in either charcoal or chalk. (CMK)

Describes an art project that was used with first grade students in which they learn about Vincent van Gogh's style of painting. Explains that the children learn to create circles and straight lines and how to fill in with color. (CMK)

Presents an art activity that improves student drawing skills. Explains that students use the chiaroscuro technique to draw a still-life that focuses on restaurant take-out containers as the subject. States that the students learn about adding and subtracting from the value in their drawings. (CMK)

Describes an art activity in which fourth-grade students created Expressionist paintings. Explains that the students selected a newsprint portrait that depicted an emotion and then the students created a picture with the emotion but exaggerating it. Discusses the process in detail. (CMK)