“MY GUIDING FORMULA FOR TEACHING ABSTRACT ART IN MY ART ROOM”
I love Abstract Art. I love the variety of deeper meanings found while observing it. I love the thinking it takes to interpret it. I love how students make abstract art that adults can’t understand, almost like a secret language between artists.
However, I’ve never really found many resources on how to actually teach it.
So after a much experimentation in the art classroom, I discovered a quick formula to help guide my teaching of Abstract Art.
Here it is:
THEME + TECHNIQUE + CONCEPT…
^This formula combines the “thinking” with the “doing.”
It’s a formula that checks all the boxes:
- … enhancing divergent creative thinking, check.
- … applying artistic technique, check.
- … awareness of design concepts, check.
WHAT DO I MEAN BY THEME + TECHNIQUE + CONCEPT ?
THEMES: THE IDEAS
Words that can be vaguely interpreted. Going from literal at first, and getting more abstract as time passes and student comfort builds.
CONCEPTS: THE PRINCIPLES or ELEMENTS
The main focus for the Principles of Design and/or Elements of Art that you plan to cover and translating them to the process of creating the specific project.
TECHNIQUES: THE PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCT
The skills and tips for using the chosen medium in the process of creating the resulting product/project.
Depending on the style of Abstract Art I’m teaching, I modify the formula to make it more specific. You can read an explanation on how I make it work for 2D Collage Projects in the Art Room here.
IN CONCLUSION:
When ‘teaching’ something which seems it can’t truly be ‘taught’, it’s always good to rely on the guidance of a tried and true formula that helps develop a concept, theme and process to make the lesson work for your young artists in a somewhat structured way.
If you’ve heard of another method, or have additional advice, feel free to let us know. 🙂