Art teachers often have a passion for all things artistic, from visual creating to metaphorical expression. Most art teachers have experience creating, viewing and interpreting artwork, and they use that experience to impart their knowledge to their students.
Whether in a school, fine arts college, museum or private studio, art teachers provide a valuable service to pupils and those pursuing careers in the arts.
1. Visual Arts Theory
An art teacher is well-versed in art history, art theory and visual arts. They provide an understanding of how art is created, viewed, interpreted and why it is a valuable asset to society.
Appreciation of fine art and craftsmanship is a fundamental base of study that can open the student up to a lifetime of understanding art in all its forms. With knowledge of visual art theory, students can be better informed and prepared to make art decisions and create better artwork.
2. Drawing
Drawing is a fundamental skill that forms the basis of visual art. An art teacher can guide their students in the fundamentals of drawing in a variety of ways. Students can practice on a canvas or paper in traditional drawing techniques, from shading to color combinations, as well as working with various types of markers, pencils, chalks and other media.
Through teaching and practice, an art teacher can open new avenues for exploring visual art and expression through drawing.
3. Painting
An art teacher can help their students learn and practice a variety of painting techniques, such as watercolor, acrylic, oil, and mixed media. They also teach how to mix colors, choose the right brush, and other fundamentals of painting.
With guidance and practice, an art teacher can guide a student in improvisational techniques, from expressionism to abstract, and help them achieve the look they desire.
4. Sculpture
Sculpting requires different techniques and an understanding of materials, space and construction. Art teachers can guide students in these techniques, from the principles of design to structural sculpting and material selection.
By teaching these principles, introducing different mediums, and inspiring the student to explore their own ideas, an art educator can help future artists influence the world with their sculpture.
5. Printmaking
Printmaking creates multiples of original artwork, often replicating the same image on different materials. An art teacher will help students in the basics of printmaking, from carving wood to creating a print with digital or traditional printing.
They will also help the students to make a print of their work through etching, dry point, and a variety of other mediums.
6. Photography
Photography is another visual art form that an art teacher often guides and inspires in students. Teaching photography healthily introduces the students to composition and light, and how these two elements work together to create an artistic image.
Art teachers can also introduce students to the basics of color and light theory, as well as mediums, such as digital photography, film, and Polaroid.
7. Textiles and Fabric Arts
Textiles and fabric arts are traditionally considered a craft, but are also included in many art curriculums. An art teacher can help guide their students in the fundamentals of fabric art and textiles, such as weaving, knitting, crocheting and macramé.
They will also help the student understand the physics of fabrics, and learn to shape, mold and manipulate them into works of art.
8. Digital Arts
Digital arts are an art form that has only recently become a part of the traditional art curriculum, but is fast becoming one of the most studied forms of modern art. An art teacher can introduce students to film editing and animation, as well as the basics of drawing, sketching and painting on a computer. Students can also learn digital photography and digital video production, helping to open up a whole new world of art opportunities.
9. Performance Arts
Performance arts are sometimes overlooked in the art world, but they are just as important to an art curriculum as any visual arts form. An art teacher can help the student understand the fundamentals of performance art, from the basics of acting, to improvisation and physical theatre. Performance art is an invaluable resource for students to explore their own talents and creatively express themselves.
10. Music
Many schools also include music education in the art curriculum. An art teacher can help to introduce their students to the fundamentals of music theory and help them understand the basics of playing and writing music.
By teaching music theory, the teacher helps lay the foundation for the student to understand and appreciate all kinds of music, which can open them to a world of creative possibilities.
11. Art History and Criticism
In order to fully appreciate the full scope of artwork, an art teacher can help students understand art history, art criticism and art theory. Art history allows students to learn about the past, while art criticism teaches them how to evaluate artwork.
With a solid understanding of art history and criticism, an art student can be better equipped to create meaningful artwork and appreciate the work of others.
12. Creative Thinking
An art teacher can nurture their student’s creativity by teaching them critical thinking and problem solving skills. By introducing their students to various concepts and techniques, an art teacher will help them better understand how to approach and solve the challenges that come with creating artwork. With guidance and practice, an art teacher can help foster the artistic talent of their pupils.
13. Community Engagement
Finally, an art teacher can help their students engage in the community through art. Through art projects, gallery shows, exhibitions, and community meetings, an art teacher can help their students shape and influence the world around them. Through engaging with the community, an art teacher can help their students develop a better appreciation for the art form and the power that it has to change the world.
Conclusion
An art teacher has a great responsibility in imparting their knowledge of the visual arts to their students. From the basics of drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking to performance arts and music, an art teacher provides a valuable service in helping their students to discover, explore and nurture their own artistic skills.
Through teaching art and theory, an art teacher can nurture the artistic talent of their students, creating future artists and helping to keep the art world alive and thriving.