The National Gallery of Art
4th and Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20565
(202)842-6249 (Educational Tours)
Instructional Unit:
Elements of Design in Twentieth Century Art - National Gallery - East Building
Curriculum Unit:
Grade General
Art
Objectives:
1. Students will be aware of of the elements of design: line, shape, color, space, texture, light.
2. Students will refer to these elements of design when they view works of art and create their own artwork.
3. Students will enjoy the museum.
Pre-Visit Activities:
Introduce the movie: Elements of Design . Ask what components make up a musical band. Students will name various instruments and the conductor. Point out how parts make up a band and elements make up a painting.
On-Site Activities:
Tour of art works:
1. Interior of East Building
a. What shapes do you see?
b. Where do you see straight lines?
c. This is called an inviting building. What is meant by this?
2. Calder, Mobile
a. What shapes do you see in the mobile that also apply to the building?
b. What makes it move?
c. What colors do we see?
d. Will the lower plate hit the building?
e. An anecdote is told about Calder with wires and pliers in his pockets. Can you imagine why?
3. Lichenstein, Look Mickey
a. Are primary colors used again, Why?
b. How does the painting make you feel?
4. Giacometti, Figure of a Human Being
a. How was this piece created without the element of color?
b. What elements of design were used?
c. What is the difference between a painting and a sculpture?
d. What do you think is happening to the figure?
e. Giacometti said that air was not pressing in or on the figures, rather the figures were striding forward facing life.
5. Matisse, Cut-Outs
a. At the age of 72, Matisse could not stand at the easel, but would not quit. He was devoted to cutting out shapes.
b. What elements are at work here?
c. What music do you hear when you look at the cut-outs?
d. What did Matisse mean when he said he was "drawing with color"?
6. Pollock, Lavender Mist
a. How do lines make our eyes move over this painting?
b. What was the position of the painting while Pollock painted?
c. Find the cockroach, what does it mean?
d. What elements are used?
e. De Kooning called Pollock an "ice breaker" What did he mean by that comment?
Follow-Up Activities:
Collage construction. After viewing art work, students will use the elements discussed to create a collage. The projects will be shared, discussed, and displayed when complete.
Appendices:
None
Bibliography:
None
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