Middle-School Art Assignment 5: Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Window Designs
Art Nouveau, a beguiling aesthetic movement spanning the years 1890 to 1910, emerges as a testament to the profound inspiration drawn from the natural world. This stylistic epoch is distinguished by its sinuous, sculptural forms, organic contours, arches, and an opulent array of decorative embellishments. Noteworthy among its motifs are stylized renditions of leaves, flowers, vines, insects, animals, and other manifestations of the organic realm. Furthermore, the discerning eye will perceive the integration of asymmetrical shapes, the pervasive utilization of arches, plant-like adornments, mosaics, stained glass, and the infusion of Japanese motifs as quintessential characteristics of the Art Nouveau movement.
In the educational domain, the unit entitled 'Art Nouveau' beckons students to embark upon a journey of creativity, challenging them to conceive Stained Glass Window Designs on paper. Armed with rulers, compasses, pencils, watercolour pencils, watercolour paints, black fine-liner pens, as well as gold and silver pens, students are tasked with seamlessly weaving the distinctive attributes of Art Nouveau into their individual masterpieces. In this endeavour, a concurrent consideration of the pertinent 'Principles of Design' enhances the sophistication of their artistic expression.
The application of Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills assumes a pivotal role in this pedagogical narrative. The ninth-grade students, exhibiting their prowess in information literacy, engage in meticulous research to delve into the nuances of Art Nouveau characteristics and their judicious application across diverse artistic works. The documentation of their cerebral processes, encompassing brainstorming sessions, preliminary sketches, and the assimilation of research into their artistic evolution, demands a harmonious fusion of critical and creative thinking. The confluence of accurate measurements, adherence to specific Art Nouveau characteristics, and the incorporation of intricate decorative elements poses a formidable challenge, elevating the intellectual and imaginative acumen of the students.
The research facet of this academic odyssey mandates a thoughtful exploration of Gustav Klimt's oeuvre. The students, confronted with the question of 'why' Klimt endures as an iconic Art Nouveau artist, navigate through his creations with analytical acuity. The impending phase of the unit pivots towards an exploration of disparities between Art Nouveau and other manifestations of Decorative Art across various epochs in the annals of Art History. As the crescendo of this academic symphony, the students are tasked with the creation of a Mixed Media Artwork, encapsulating the culmination of their artistic odyssey through the tapestry of Art Nouveau.
Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Window Design Assessment Criteria:
A.)-Thinking and Inquiry:
Comprehensive Scamp-Drawings:
a.1)-The student provides compelling evidence of scamp-drawings, with a minimum of three, illustrating original and authentic ideas. These drawings meticulously document the student's thought processes, showcasing intricate planning regarding the overall design, composition, layout, and incorporation of reference images for the final Stained Glass Window Artwork.
Artistic Intention and Art Nouveau Characteristics:
a.2)-The student adeptly articulates clear artistic intentions in their overall planning, seamlessly integrating key characteristics of Art Nouveau into the final Stained Glass Window artwork. This demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the stylistic elements associated with the Art Nouveau movement.
Art Theory Application:
a.3)-The student demonstrates a profound knowledge and understanding of relevant Art Theory, incorporating key concepts and terminology such as composition, layout, visual arrangement, repetition, balance, expression, emphasis, focal point, symmetry/symmetrical, typographic styles, and visual communication. This knowledge enriches the conceptual underpinnings of the assignment.
B.)-Application:
Principles of Design and Critical Thinking:
b.1)-The student effectively incorporates the 'Principles of Design' into their planning, showcasing critical thinking skills in problem-solving and creativity. This thoughtful application contributes to the overall coherence and visual impact of the Stained-Glass Window Artwork.
Successful Integration of Art Nouveau Characteristics:
b.2)-The student seamlessly integrates key characteristics of Art Nouveau into their original design, demonstrating a sophisticated application of the artistic style. This skilful incorporation enhances the authenticity and aesthetic appeal of the final artwork.
Neatness and Attention to Detail:
b.3)-The student delivers work that is both neat and detailed, reflecting intentional effort, diligence, and hard work. This commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous execution of the Stained-Glass Window Artwork.
C.)-Communication:
Skilful Application of Watercolour Techniques:
c.1)-The student applies watercolour paint with precision, skilfully layering it with watercolour pencils to create value and shading. This technique enhances the visual depth and sophistication of the Stained-Glass Window Artwork.
Decorative Components and Attention to Detail:
c.2)-The student successfully adds additional decorative components to the overall design, incorporating silver and gold pens in a tasteful and artistic manner. This attention to detail elevates the aesthetic quality of the Stained-Glass Window Artwork.
Timely Completion of Artwork:
c.3)-The student demonstrates a conscientious effort to complete the artwork on time, underscoring a commitment to project management and timely execution. This punctuality contributes to the overall success of the assignment.