Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing in an art studio—the smell of paint, the heat of the kiln, and the infinite creative possibilities that linger in the air. This is where art is born, and in 2D Studio Art, you’ll learn how to bring your art visions to life. Whatever medium you prefer—painting, drawing, photography—this course will teach you the design elements and principles needed to create a work of art, explore your artistic inspirations, travel back in time to look at art in different cultures, and gain insight about the art of critiquing. If you’ve ever dreamed about making a living as an artist, this course will give you the tools and background that you need to turn those dreams into a reality!
Paint: (at least two or more of the following)
Drawing Tools: (at least two or more of the following)
Unit 1: Breaking into 2D Studio Art
Let’s close our eyes and picture that we are in an art studio. What do you see? Do you see a clean pile of paintbrushes; a rainbow of paint colors lined up together in a row; a canvas on a table, with the beginning drawings of a meadow blooming with flowers? An art studio is where art is born. It is where we can use our creativity and expression to design an image that is currently only inside of our heads. We can share our ideas, feelings, and visions with the world through our own works of art. In order to reach our full artistic potential, we need to start with the basics. After all, you need to walk before you can run.
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 2: Detailing the Design
Let’s face it, creating art doesn’t typically come with a book of instructions. In fact, the exact opposite is likely the case! As an artist, you’re often left to your own creative devices, having to decide what to create and how to create it. But, if there was an instruction manual on “how to be an artist” or “how to create a work of art”, the elements of design, principles of design, and elements of content would be the main parts of the first chapter. These are the tools each artist uses during the process of creating a work of art. They put all the little pieces together, and create a completed drawing or painting. This is vital information you will need as you journey to become an artist, so get out your pad and pencil to take some notes (consider this your own personal chapter of your “how to be an artist” instruction manual).
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 3: The Creative Process of Art
Just because we aren’t physically in an art studio at this very moment doesn’t mean we can’t learn all about art as if we were! In this unit, we will gather all of the information we can about creating art as if we were in an actual studio. We will explore different types of genres and styles that many artists use and learn about the differences between representational and abstract art. We’ll learn and practice different tricks and techniques to make our own art shine. And, we will discover ways to connect art with other subjects to bring fun, creativity, and exploration to all learning areas. We may not be stepping into an art studio to do this work, but we sure will step into a digital one! Let’s get started!
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 4: Art and its Early Importance
Think about your life from when you first started school until now. You have grown and learned so much in the past years! What you knew and the way you acted in kindergarten is so different from what you know and how you act now, but the information you learned in those early years shaped you into the person you are today. This act of growing, changing, and maturing is also something that has happened in the world of art! This unit is going to look at art in some of its oldest forms. We’ll take you through the Stone Age into ancient Egypt, China, and Central America to see where and how practices commonly used today originated. We’ll also discover how these early influences shaped art into the subject we know and love today.
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 5: Everyone’s a Critic
EVERYONE’S a critic. Hearing the word “critique” can be quite scary, especially when someone else is critiquing your work. Knowing that someone is going to look at (and judge) the beloved piece of art you spent so much time and effort on, brings forth many feelings. Nervousness (what if they don’t like my work?!), judgment (they are going to think my art is terrible!), or embarrassment (I don’t want anyone to look at my art!), might all come to the surface. However, critiques shouldn’t be scary! In the art world, critiquing is an important part of the artistic process. Critiques are not meant to actually criticize but rather to provide new ideas, help artists improve their art, and let us better understand and describe pieces we are studying. We critique not only our own work but also the work of others. So get rid of your former fears of critiquing and jump into this unit knowing we are going to master the process of critiquing to improve our own artwork and help others improve theirs as well.
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 6: Discovering Culture Through Common Themes
Just as people around the world are different in the best ways, so is their art! Different cultures bring different views and practices to their artwork, which makes viewing art around the world special and interesting. By looking at some of the common themes seen in different art forms throughout the world, we will develop a better appreciation for different cultures without even having to renew our passport! While on our journey, we’ll also have the opportunity to look at different people and places around the world, learn a little bit about their cultures, and see a few examples of how they bring their own creativity to art. Climb aboard! This train is leaving the station!
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 7: Where Art Lives
Once a masterpiece is created, what happens to that piece of art? Where does it go? Art museums are a great place for us to visit famous pieces of art and see them for ourselves. There are also several other places you can go to see art—we’re going to learn more about these options and the proper etiquette to follow while viewing artwork. We’ll also discuss what you should do with pieces of art you personally create and love. Should you just throw them in the back of your closet to collect dust? No! You need to exhibit your art for yourself and so others can enjoy it as well! Remember, art can be found in many places, whether that be in an art museum or hanging on your own living room wall!
What will you learn in this unit?
Unit 8: Finding A Career Path Through Art
Did you know that one day you’ll be able to use your creative talents to make money? We have fully submerged ourselves in the world of 2D art, not only learning how to create art, but also how to look at, critique, and appreciate artwork created by others. If creating art, or even enjoying art, is your passion, you can turn that love into a career! Get ready to take a closer look at some of the career paths you may choose from in the field of 2D art—the opportunities are endless!
What will you learn in this unit?
