Student artists might be stuck for words when asked directly what painting means in context of the visual arts. This is likely due to the diverse forms that painting takes, as well as having different meanings to different people. Crystallising a definition might be the ideal objective for the first art lesson, and is a good way of bringing the art group together.
The Meaning of Art
The art lesson might open with a brainstorming session where students might supply snap responses or find the first words that come to mind when asked what painting means. The teacher might then transcribe these words and phrases onto the whiteboard for students to explore. This teaching strategy will encourage students to contribute towards the class and spur a group discussion, although some students might need prompting.
Obvious associations are likely to be suggested first, followed by more lateral thinking. Oils, watercolours, art movements, expressionism, colour theory, Impressionism, Picasso and cave paintings, for instance might be followed by less obvious suggestions, such as colour therapy or chiaroscuro. The objective is for students to express their own personal definitions, to share them, exchange ideas, and finally to formulate a definition in their own words.
Painting Classifications
Once the discussion has run its course, the teacher might put forward the definition from an authoritative source, such as the Oxford English Dictionary or similar. The following excerpts are from the Cassell Dictionary and Thesaurus (Cassell: 2004).
- Painting: The act, act or occupation of laying on colour or producing representations in colours.
- Art: Creative activity concerned with the production of aesthetic objects or of beauty in general.
Evaluation of what Painting Means
With both the authoritative sources and the students’ suggestions, new definitions can be created after reflection. A written assignment can be put forward for the next art lesson. The meaning may be written in one paragraph consisting of two or three sentences that exhibits logical thought. This task is not as straightforward as it sounds, for every word must count. A thesaurus will be invaluable. Placing this definition in a prominent place within the portfolio might stimulate cognitive thought and keep students focused upon their own personal meanings during the creative process. Such an exercise also enables students to practice literacy in the visual arts.
The written assignment must be easy to assess and not subjective. In this vein, the definition must:
- be put into the students' own words
- be grammatically sound and free of typos
- make good sense
- encompass what painting means to them
Art Activity Idea
Assigning students the task of writing a personal summary of what painting means enables the practice of key skills in the visual arts. Blending a brainstorming session with authoritative sources is a good way of stimulating cognitive thought processes and creating new ideas. Keeping these personal meanings within an art portfolio offers some context when the visual work is viewed and remind students what painting means to them.
Rachel Shirley - I have written and illustrated several art instruction books entitled Oil Paintings from your Garden and Oil Paintings from the Landscape ...
