KQED: Element of Form

This video explains that form is the illusion of depth that artists create in their work. It talks about the fact that form takes up space, in a real way (like in sculptures) or in an implied way (like in paintings). This is a really informative video that I would share with Grade 4/5 and up!

My Artwork

Instructions for mug activity: Find a white or light coloured object. Place the object where there is only one light source if possible. You may need to turn off the lights and place it in a window. Use a piece of heavyweight paper, a pencil, and an eraser. Pay attention to the lights and darks in the shadow, and try to add different levels of darkness to show shadows.

Materials:

  • Heavyweight paper
  • Pencil
  • Eraser

This week’s art was definitely a challenge for me! I have not practiced shading too much, so it was interesting to try and apply different levels of value/ shading to my art. For my object, the light source was coming from the back (and it was a bit more clear than it was white). Overall, I had fun with this artwork and I enjoyed being challenged!

Here are some more detailed instructions for this mug art activity (zoom in to read the instructions more clearly). There is also an idea for a discovery activity to teach kids about shadows by exploring outside with chalk!

Critical Analysis

Bill Reid

Bill Reid is a Haida artist who was born in Victoria, B.C. His art shows the element of form really well, and he uses this element to help tell a story. This sculpture is called “The Raven and the First Men”, and it is a great piece to get students thinking about the element of form. I would love to use this art for a critical analysis for an upper elementary classroom.

Some More Resources!

This webpage explains a fun way to teach form to kids using different colours of paint. This technique illustrates adding different shades/ shadows to artwork, as well as demonstrating form with colour! This activity would be fun for Grade 2/3 (with a more simple approach) or for Grade 5/4 (with a more complex approach)! The webpage uses the example of a pear to do the artwork, but I think any type of fruit would be fun for the kids!