Elementary Art Project: Exploring the Elements of Art

In our elementary school’s innovative art program, students delve into the fundamental elements of art through a hands-on project that engages their creativity and critical thinking.

This project utilizes individual circular paper plates as canvases, where each plate represents a unique exploration of various artistic elements.

Guided by the “Studio Habits of Mind” pedagogical approach, our students not only create art but also develop valuable habits that will serve them in all areas of learning.

Elements of Art on Display

Each paper plate is a mini-masterpiece, showcasing the students’ understanding of different elements of art such as color, shape, texture, and composition.

Let’s take a closer look at some of their creations:

Color and Shape Exploration
- One plate features an array of colorful geometric shapes, including circles, triangles, and squares. The vibrant hues of blue, green, red, and yellow create a lively composition that explores the interplay of primary and secondary colors. The use of soft and hard textures, like pom-poms and cut-out shapes, adds a tactile dimension to the artwork.
Texture and Contrast
- Another plate highlights the use of contrasting textures and colors. Black oval shapes and pom-poms are set against crumpled gold and red paper, creating a striking visual contrast. This piece encourages students to think about how different textures can evoke various sensory responses and add depth to a composition.
Line and Movement
- In a different creation, students experimented with lines and movement. Black pom-poms arranged in a curving line against a background of green and yellow shapes demonstrate how lines can guide the viewer’s eye and suggest motion. This piece teaches the importance of line as a fundamental element of art that can convey energy and direction.
Mixed Media and Composition
- One specific plate incorporates mixed media, with aluminum foil, tissue paper, and drawn elements all coming together. This artwork showcases the students’ ability to combine different materials and techniques to create a cohesive composition. The use of spirals and concentric shapes draws attention to the center, demonstrating an understanding of focal points and balance.

Studio Habits of Mind

Our art program emphasizes the “Studio Habits of Mind,” which include:

Developing Craft: Students learn to use art tools and materials proficiently.
Engaging and Persisting: They are encouraged to stay focused and overcome challenges.
Envisioning: Students imagine and plan their artistic creations.
Expressing: They convey ideas and emotions through their artwork.
Observing: Students learn to see details in their work and the world around them.
Reflecting: They think critically about their process and outcomes.
Stretching and Exploring: Students take risks and explore new possibilities in art.
Understanding Art Worlds: They learn about art history and contemporary practices.

By integrating these habits, our students not only create beautiful art but also cultivate skills that are essential for lifelong learning. This project exemplifies how art education can be a powerful tool for developing both artistic and cognitive abilities in young learners.