Art in a Classical Education

By Mrs. Bly, GCT Art Teacher

I read a great article by Gregory D. Wilbur where he explained the place of the arts in a classical education.  He says,

"The studio study of the Arts or the skills to actually participate in the Arts is closely akin to the principles of the trivium. The trivium consists of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and forms the basis for classical education.  

Grammar is learning brush strokes and how to work in the mediums of oils or watercolors. Logic is using those basic skills to construct exercises in shape and perspective. Rhetoric is the ability to create a two-dimensional scene through color that can convey action and/or emotion.”

He goes on to discuss why we should study the arts with other academic subjects, for example history and philosophy. He concludes by saying,

 “Understanding Art, philosophy and how Art reflects philosophy will enable a greater comprehension of present-day life and culture as well as the past. Understanding the criteria for evaluating the elements which comprise good Art will access realms of God given creativity for study and appreciation. Teaching a child the needed skills to create in a specific medium will afford the opportunity to reflect God’s creativity. These higher aims have a greater value than merely offering a vague enrichment.”

I have had the privilege this last semester, to teach an art class at Granite.  We embarked upon this journey of exploring the basic elements and principles of art through a two-hour class on Monday afternoons.  (I had taught other art classes/workshops before, but never with boys---they add a whole new element of fun!)

We used vibrant liquid watercolors, slick oil pastels, crisp sharpies, squishy clay and a rainbow assortment of tempera paints to become familiar with Matisse, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, O’Keeffe, Hundertwasser, da Vinci, and many others.  We looked at some of the Master’s works, tools, training, and lives.  We tried our hand at their unique styles, then used that new skill in combination with the elements of art design (e.g. line, shape, color) to create our own masterpieces!

              

We had a blast, and learned a few things along the way such as:

1. Mixed age groups are great!  Learning how to work together, encourage, compliment and compromise are priceless lessons.  Art just happens to be a platform where kids are able to recognize this, and I found such joy in seeing this happen!
2. God has created us, and given us all different gifts.  Some of us are amazing at sketching details, some of us--not so much.  But approaching a project as an experiment, doing your best, enjoying the process, praising other's work, and rejoicing in having the ability and opportunity to try; that is honoring to our Creator.
   
3. Learning to recognize the beauty in the art all around us, such as a sculpture or the sunset, is part of art appreciation.  Especially when we give Him the glory!

Next semester is almost upon us, with a new set of art lessons on the horizon.  We’ll be building upon basic skills, welcoming new friends to class, and experimenting with new mediums.  I can hardly wait!