Art Teacher Praxis Exam Preparation

Principles of Design

  • Balance: The distribution of visual weight in a work of art.
  • Contrast: The difference between elements (e.g., colors, shapes) to create focus.
  • Emphasis: The focal point or area of importance in a composition.
  • Movement: The path the viewer's eye takes through the artwork.
  • Pattern: The repetition of elements to create cohesiveness.
  • Rhythm: A visual tempo or beat in the composition.
  • Unity: The sense of harmony between all parts of the artwork.

Elements of Art

  • Line: The continuous mark made on a surface.
  • Shape: A two-dimensional area defined by edges.
  • Form: A three-dimensional object with depth and volume.
  • Space: The area around or within objects; can be positive or negative.
  • Color: The hue, saturation, and brightness of an object.
  • Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
  • Texture: The surface quality that can be seen or felt.

Linear Perspective

  • Definition: A technique to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface through the use of vanishing points.
  • Developer: Filippo Brunelleschi, during the Renaissance era.

Art Movements & Styles

Impressionism

  • Characteristics: Visible brush strokes, attention to light and color, movement, and capturing moments in time.
  • Key Artists: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas.

Cubism

  • Characteristics: Fragmented forms, multiple viewpoints, and geometric shapes.
  • Key Artists: Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque.

Renaissance

  • Key Characteristics: Emphasis on realism, proportion, perspective, humanism, and chiaroscuro.
  • Key Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael.

Art Materials & Safety

  • Solvents in Painting

    • Use nontoxic solvents such as Turpenoid.
    • Ensure proper ventilation, wear gloves, and dispose of waste properly.

  • Health Risks in Ceramics

    • Risks include inhalation of silica dust, exposure to toxic glazes, and kiln fumes.
    • Recommendations: Use dust masks, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid lead-based glazes.

  • Unsafe Materials in Glazes

    • Avoid materials such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, beryllium, selenium, and uranium.

  • Disposal of Solvent-Soaked Rags

    • Store in self-closing, fireproof containers and empty them daily.

Art Processes & Techniques

  • Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Inks

    • Oil-based inks produce harmful vapors and require solvents for cleanup.
    • Water-based inks are safer and cleaned up with water.

  • Lost-Wax Casting Process

    • Steps:
    1. Model creation
    2. Mold making
    3. Wax model production
    4. Investment casting
    5. Burnout
    6. Pouring
    7. Finishing

  • Primary Colors in Pigment-Based Color Theory

    • Red, yellow, blue.

Child Development & Classroom Management

  • Stages of Artistic Development (Viktor Lowenfeld)

    • Scribbling (2-4 years)
    • Pre-schematic (4-7 years)
    • Schematic (7-9 years)
    • Dawning Realism (9-12 years)
    • Pseudo-naturalistic (12-14 years)
    • Decision stage (14+ years)

  • Classroom Management Strategies for Art Classes

    • Establish clear rules and consistent routines.
    • Implement positive reinforcement and ensure active engagement.
    • Keep materials organized.

  • Hazards in Sculpture

    • Risks include inhalation of dust, improper handling of sharp tools, and use of toxic adhesives or materials.

Vocabulary & Terminology

  • Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume.
  • Non-objective Art: Art without recognizable subject matter, focusing on shapes, colors, and textures.
  • ACMI Label: The Art & Creative Materials Institute certification indicating that materials are safe and non-toxic.

Art Education Philosophy & Pedagogy

  • Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE): A comprehensive approach focusing on art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics.