Visual Art Term 1

Elements of Art
Line: A long, thin mark or stroke usually made with a pencil, pen or charcoal.
Tone: A series of shades from dark to light, often used to show shadows
Shape: The outline of the object being drawn.
Texture: The look and feel of the object, rough or smooth.
Design Principles
Balance: All the parts of the artwork need to be the same in weight
Contrast: Showing the difference between dark and light.
Emphasis: Special importance given to a particular part of the artwork.
A 2-D drawing is flat and shows the shape of the object.
A 3-D drawing has depth and shows the form of the object.














Activities:
a. Walk the pencil.
b. Sketch a coke can.
c. Sketch your shoe or Complete the face.
d. Leaves in a circle or Shells on a tray.
Patterns
A pattern is a repeated line, shape or colour. A rhythm may be created when you repeat art
elements (just like in music). When pieces of the art work fit together and work together
there is a sense of unity and harmony. We can create variety by making something in the
artwork look different and more interesting. Too much variety can become confusing and too
little will be boring. We need to strike a balance.
A good artist uses his eyes and observes his subject closely.
Activity:
a. Design a tile pattern for a bathroom or kitchen wall or floor.
The African Mask:
Masks were used by different cultures around the world to celebrate ceremonies and rituals.
Every country in Africa had a different style and technique. Masks were often symbolic and
had great meaning. African masks are part of African culture and heritage. Masks may have
been made out of wood, grass, shells and bone (very seldom were they made from metal).
Modern materials such as plastic were not used. They were decorated with colours from the
environment.
1. A mask is not a photograph of a person.
2. A mask is symmetrical.
3. Facial features are simple and sometimes exaggerated.
4. The face is decorated with repeated patterns.
Activity:
Design and make your own African Mask. Use recyclable materials to create an interesting 3-
D mask. Your mask must have texture and colour. Attach your mask to a stick so that you can
hold it up in front of your face. You are not going to make cut outs for the eyes and mouth.


Art Appreciation
1. What is the title of the art work?
2. Who is the artist?
3. What medium was used?
4. Write a paragraph on the art elements used and how it enhances the art work.
5. Do you think the artist is trying to express an idea, thought or message. What do you
think it is?
6. How do you feel about the art work?
Earthenware Figures
Activity:
You are going to create 2 musicians out of clay. (20 marks)
Art Elements
Use of shape and form
Use of texture

2 / 1
2 / 1
Modelling Technique
Pinching
Rolling

2 / 1
2 / 1

Design Principles
Balance
Proportion
Emphasis
Contrast

2 / 1
2 / 1
2 / 1
2 / 1
Joining technique
Decoration
2 / 1
2 / 1