Systems - Types of Art

For use with the Secondary I Y1 C5 theme of Systems

This is not an art curriculum, and students will not need to draw or sketch. It is, however, an innovative approach to using visual art to understand and investigate the concept of Systems, in the Montessori Middle School. The approach for this module is to look at the various types of art and gain a more organized and systematic understanding of the various art types that are available, each offering unique perspectives and techniques that have shaped the art world.

Students will explore the seven basic types of painting. They will develop a foundational understanding of each type giving them not only a well-rounded view of the multifaceted world of painting, but also equipping them with the knowledge and skills to appreciate art in all its complexity and beauty, while simultaneously getting a different point of view on how systems work in real life and in the structure of our social identity and cultural persona.

Students will explore the following types of paintings: 

• Portrait Painting: Delve into the art of capturing the essence of individuals, exploring how artists immortalize personality, emotion, and character on canvas.
• Landscape Painting: Discover the beauty of nature as depicted by artists, from serene lakes to tumultuous skies, and understand the emotional undertones often present in these works.
• Still-Life Painting: Examine the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind paintings of inanimate objects, from flowers and food to symbolic Vanitas compositions.
• Abstract Painting: Challenge your perceptions as we explore the world of abstract art, a genre that breaks away from traditional representation to convey complex ideas through shapes, colors, and forms.
• History Paintings: Learn about the narrative depth of paintings that capture significant historical events, offering insights into the artist’s viewpoint and the broader cultural context.
• Religious Paintings: Explore the spiritual and cultural significance of religious art, from early Christian murals to Renaissance masterpieces.
• Allegorical Paintings: Uncover the hidden meanings in allegorical works, where every element serves as a symbol contributing to a deeper moral or philosophical message.

This module is intended to blend theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, with the intent of offering a holistic experience.

The set includes:

1 Teacher's Edition manual
5 copies of the Student Edition manual (1 per group), which include the following:

• Introduction to the historical periods for each style
• Introduction to the course with desired outcomes
• Guiding Questions 1 & 2
• Types of Paintings with Famous Artists
• Samples of each type of painting showing the style of the artists (each type of painting contains 2 famous male artists and 2 female famous artists)
• Weekly progress activities - Research (Activities employ a multifaceted curricular approach and various learning styles)
• Socratic Discussion
• Advanced Socratic Discussion

RESOURCES

The following items are highly recommended:

Timeline of Art History (TL-034)
Understanding Art Through Language and Writing Year A (ELC-6080)
Understanding Art Through Language and Writing Year B (ELC-6081)

STANDARDS

View the standards that are met through this material.