Lesson Plan: Exploring Visual Arts for the Externally Set Task (EST)
Overview
This lesson is designed to help students prepare for their Externally Set Task (EST) in General Visual Arts. The focus is on exploring alternatives, developing visual language, selecting influences, interpreting artwork, and understanding meaning and purpose. Students will engage in practical exercises that align with the Australian Curriculum standards for Visual Arts.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Explore alternatives and experiment with different techniques and materials.
- Develop their visual language using elements and principles of art.
- Identify and select sources of inspiration to influence their own artwork.
- Analyze and interpret artworks using appropriate visual language and terminology.
- Discuss the purpose and techniques used in various artworks to communicate meaning.
Materials Needed
- Sketchbooks
- A variety of drawing and painting materials (e.g., pencils, watercolours, acrylics)
- Magazines and online resources for research
- Printouts of famous artworks for analysis
- Projector for presentations
Lesson Procedure
Introduction (15 minutes)
- Discuss the EST: Begin with a brief introduction to the Externally Set Task, outlining its importance and how it will be assessed. Explain the components of the task, focusing on the need for exploration, experimentation, and interpretation.
Activity 1: Exploring Alternatives (30 minutes)
- Explore Techniques:
- Provide students with various materials (e.g., charcoal, ink, watercolour).
- Allow them to experiment by creating small artworks using different techniques and mediums. Encourage them to focus on the elements of art (line, shape, colour, texture) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis).
- After 20 minutes, have students share their experiments in small groups, discussing what they learned and what worked best for them.
Activity 2: Developing Visual Language (30 minutes)
- Using Elements and Principles:
- Give a brief lecture on the elements and principles of art. Highlight how they can be used deliberately to develop visual language.
- Assign students to create a small piece of artwork that intentionally incorporates at least three elements and two principles of art. Provide them with time to create and reflect on their choices.
Break (10 minutes)
Activity 3: Visual Analysis and Interpretation (40 minutes)
- Artwork Analysis:
- Distribute printouts of selected famous artworks. Ask students to conduct a visual analysis, commenting on the subject matter, meaning, and formal organisation (composition).
- In pairs, have students discuss their observations using art terminology. Prompt them to consider questions like: What is the subject matter? What feelings or messages does the artwork convey? How do the elements and principles of art contribute to its impact?
Activity 4: Sources of Inspiration (30 minutes)
- Research and Selection:
- Encourage students to select a contemporary artist or artwork that inspires them. They should research the artist’s techniques, visual language, and thematic content.
- Have students create a mood board or a digital presentation summarizing their findings and how it might influence their upcoming artwork.
Conclusion (15 minutes)
- Class Discussion:
- Bring the class together for a final discussion. Ask students to reflect on their learning experiences throughout the lesson. What techniques are they excited to explore further? How has their understanding of visual language evolved?
- Discuss the importance of understanding meaning and purpose in their artwork, emphasising the role of intentional choices in communicating messages to an audience.
Assessment
- Students will be assessed based on their participation in activities, the creativity of their artworks, and their ability to articulate their understanding of visual language, analysis, and interpretation using appropriate terminology.
Reflection
Post-lesson, encourage students to think about how they can apply the skills and insights gained in this lesson to their own Externally Set Task. Ask them to consider feedback from peers when developing their final artwork.
This lesson plan aligns with the Australian Visual Arts curriculum, providing a comprehensive approach for students preparing for their EST while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of visual art practices.