Mastering Art: A Guide to Fine Arts Class Structure & Objectives

WHY FINE ARTS IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG BRAINS?

During early childhood and the elementary level of education, children are often at the stage of asking, "I want to do it" or "Why can't I do it?" Over time, unfortunately, the barriers, filters, and explanations of adult life that tell them "Why they can't do it" can limit their creativity. The learned self-control may kill their creative attempts and enjoyment of learning and interest in arts, even without the influence of another entity. As we know, moral values gradually take hold after the age of six; fine arts become the sole way for them to express themselves without facing criticism. This is a double-faced mirror; they creatively manifest their thoughts, and we glimpse their inner world without barriers.

On the other hand, sometimes, they set their thresholds relatively high and want to reflect their imaginations in a highly artistic manner. The fine arts curriculum must give them leverage by teaching them not what to see but how to look and imparting material knowledge. The curriculum must include guiding them in using their hands, choosing the right brush, and selecting colors.

Nurturing young minds with diverse techniques like drawing, painting, and sculpting is invaluable for their growth. These activities should be designed to fine-tune their motor skills and hand-eye coordination and to give them a canvas to pour out their creativity and the depth of their minds. Fine arts classes should allow your child to acquire the basic skills to express themselves through art, filling them with pride and happiness.

WHY CRAFTS SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED?

I maintain my reservations about crafts. Craft is generally an abstraction from an educated and creative adult brain. Abstractions originate from creativity and knowledge but do not belong in a child's mind. Therefore, most craft activities can tarnish or block children's creativity.

CONNECTION WITH ARTS AND MATH:

Fine arts and mathematics are both abstract concepts. Since the 1960s, it has been believed that creative people used only the right side of their brain. However, recent research shows that artists are not merely "right-brained." They utilize both hemispheres of their brain in making art, and they also secrete Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine, according to findings as of 2023.

There is growing evidence in rehabilitation medicine and neuroscience that art enhances brain function, influencing brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system. Children engaged in art also benefit from the potential to develop a "golden brain," which represents a brain actively engaged across both hemispheres.

Arts and math are like twins; one pushes the other higher while the other expands the limits of thinking.

WHAT WOULD BE THE OUTLINES OF THE FINE ARTS CLASS FOR CHILDREN:

·        Introduction to Drawing and Painting Techniques: In the initial week, they should delve into the color wheel, explore basic brushstrokes, and learn to select colors that resonate with their emotions.

·        Still Life and Composition: In the subsequent weeks, the curriculum may focus on still life drawings, teaching your child to observe and render objects realistically on paper.

·        Acrylics and Varied Subjects: The child, over time, will be mastering acrylic painting, focusing on various subjects such as landscapes, animals, and portraits, helping your child to bring different scenes and beings to life.

·        The Charcoal Effect: A couple of weeks will be dedicated to the art of charcoal drawing, where the children will discover the distinctive textures and effects this medium can produce.

·        Multimedia Techniques: The young artists should get hands-on experience with dry crayons and gouache paint on various surfaces.

·        Watercolor Wonders: Although watercolor is a common element in children's art experiences, mastering watercolor requires a workshop with advanced painting techniques, employing both cake and tube watercolors to craft delicate and vivid artworks.

Throughout Fine Arts workshops, children should not only refine their artistic abilities but also get a chance to immerse themselves in the revolutionary art movements of Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism. They'll even recreate some of the masterpieces by iconic artists such as Picasso, Klee, and Kandinsky!