The School of Art
#1 of 4 in The School of Series
What’s inside...
The School of Art by Teal Triggs is an educational guide that introduces readers to the fundamental concepts and techniques of art and design. Structured as a series of lessons, the book covers various aspects of artistic education, from color theory and composition to more advanced topics. It is designed to be accessible to beginners while also providing valuable insights for more experienced artists. The book features engaging illustrations and clear explanations to inspire creativity and a deeper appreciation for the artistic process. Additionally, it includes 40 demonstrations, each accompanied by a guided activity, to help readers understand the basics of art and design, including composition, color, line, shape, and perspective.
Discussion points
What did you learn about different art styles in 'The School of Art'? Which style is your favorite and why?
How do the artists in the book express their feelings through their art? Can you think of a time when you expressed your feelings through creating something?
What would your dream art school look like? What kinds of classes would it have?
If you could meet any artist from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How does the book inspire you to be creative in new ways?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child's responses and thoughts. This encourages them to open up more and share.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s current experiences with art, whether at school or at home. This creates a personal connection to the material.
Encourage your child to draw or create something inspired by the art styles or artists mentioned in 'The School of Art'. This makes the reading experience interactive and immersive.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen the conversation and encourage critical thinking about artistic expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The School of Art introduces children to various artistic techniques and styles, encouraging them to explore their own creative abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply what they learn by engaging in art projects at home or school, helping them express their thoughts and emotions through creative mediums.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book emphasizes that becoming skilled in art requires dedication and repeated practice.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and hard work, which they can apply to any subject at school or any hobby they pursue.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity in Art
Explanation: The book showcases a range of artistic styles and cultures, teaching children to appreciate the diverse ways art can be created and understood.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children respect and celebrate cultural differences in their community and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Sharing Ideas
Explanation: The School of Art depicts students and teachers sharing ideas and working together on projects, illustrating the benefits of collaborative learning.
Real-World Application: Children can practice teamwork and improve their communication skills by participating in group activities and discussions, both in educational settings and in play.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Interpretation
Explanation: Students in the book analyze and interpret different artworks, which fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding of visual messages.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the visual world around them and to interpret the intent and messages in both art and media.