What do ARTISTS do?

of course they CREATE ART!

We know artists can paint, draw, collage, cut, sculpt, mold, weave, photograph, sketch, bead, glue, sew.

Beyond making art, what else do artists do?

ARTISTS Envision...

they visualize or picture and idea in their mind.

ARTISTS make a plan...

they think through or write the steps to make their artwork.  They sketch what a drawing might look like.  They get their ideas out of their head and onto paper.

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ARTISTS take care and respect their materials...

including taking care of their studios.  What are some ways you take care of materials? (snap that cap, don't break pencils, organize supply baskets, etc.)

ARTISTS try new things...

they are brave and take risks.  they explore and experiment with new art supplies.  they learn to use new tools, materials and space.

ARTISTS talk about art...

We have share time.  Artists talk about their ideas, the materials they used and the process of making art.

ARTISTS make mistakes... 

and are willing to try again.  We know that if we make a mistake in drawing, we try 3 fixes before a new piece of paper --front and back, beautiful oops and an eraser.  How does an artist fix a mistake in other studios?

ARTISTS observe...

artists look closely, pay attention and notice details.

ARTISTS collaborate...

artists work together.  Artists cooperate and listen to one another to create art. 

ARTISTS reflect...

they think about what went well, what they need to learn and what they can improve.

ARTISTS work hard...

they are focussed and spend time on their art.  Some artists can spend years working on a piece.  We say, "if you just started it today, it really should stay".  (there are some exceptions to this rule, often birthday cards and jewelry)

ARTISTS share materials...

they take turns and are respectful as they collaborate.   

ARTISTS practice and explore...

artists try new ways and methods to create art.  

ARTISTS exhibit their work...

share their creativity with the world

ARTISTS understand the art world...

they go to museums, look at art, read about art and talk to fellow artists, they are part of the art community.

ARTISTS use their visual voice...

artists communicate their ideas, feelings, values, concerns, current events.

Through a massive painting, Picasso expressed being upset and critical of war attacking his country.

ARTISTS contribute to society...

projects like Empty Bowls where artists use their art to raise money for people facing hunger and murals that beautify cities and towns.

Which of these behaviors do you do as an artist?

Artists do more than make a pretty pictures!


*(Thanks Kari Schepker-Mueller for the inspiration for this mini-lesson.)