Scouting America Art Merit Badge Workshop

Art Merit Badge

1. Art Merit Badge

2. Before we get started… Some ground rules. Because we gotta have ‘ em . Let’s pay attention, get through the “talking stuff,” and leave more time for creating art. There are no right or wrong answers in art. Let’s have fun!

3. A scout is… Brave Clean

4. Requirement 1a of 7 What is art? What are some of the different forms of art?

5. Art is… “The conscious use of skill and creative imagination, especially in the production of aesthetic objects” Art is a diverse and multifaceted form of expression that encompasses a wide range of mediums and styles. It is a means of communication and self-expression that has been practiced by humans for centuries. From paintings and sculptures to photography and performance art, there are countless forms of art that exist in the world.

6. Fine Art Common Types of Art

7. Photography Common Types of Art

8. Graphic Design Common Types of Art

9. Street Art Common Types of Art

10. So many opportunities in the creative field! More Art Architecture Game Design Illustration Motion Art CGI Animation Animation Product Design Packaging Design Landscape Design Performance Art Costume Design Interior Design City Planning Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Fashion Design User Experience Design

11. Requirement 1b of 7 Why is art important to humankind?

12. Art tells and preserves stories Types of Art Francisco de Goya, The Third of May (1808)

13. Requirement 1c of 7 What does art mean to you? How can art make you feel?

14. Requirement 2 of 7 Discuss with your counselor the 7 elements of art: line, value, shape, form, space, color, and texture.

15. Line 7 Elements of Art A line is a mark made by a moving point. It can be straight, curved, thick, thin, or even broken. Lines can convey different emotions and moods. Think of Vincent van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes in “Starry Night” or the precise, clean lines in Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches. Van Gogh, Starry Night (1889)

16. Value 7 Elements of Art Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or tone. It helps to create depth and dimension in a work of art. Artists use various techniques, such as shading and highlighting, to manipulate value and create contrast. For instance, in Rembrandt’s portraits, he masterfully plays with light and shadow to give his subjects a three-dimensional quality. Rembrandt, Titus the Artist’s Son (1657)

17. Shape 7 Elements of Art Shape refers to the two-dimensional area created by lines or boundaries. Shapes can be geometric, such as squares, circles, or triangles, or organic, like the irregular shapes found in nature. Artists use shapes to create patterns, compositions, and focal points. Consider the use of geometric shapes in Piet Mondrian’s abstract paintings or the organic shapes in Henri Matisse’s cut-outs. Piet Mondrian, Composition C. (No. III) With Red, Yellow and Blue’ (1935) Henri Matisse, Goldfish (1912)

18. Form 7 Elements of Art Form refers to the three-dimensional aspect of an object or artwork. Unlike shape, which is flat, form has depth, height, and width. Sculptures are a prime example of art that showcases form. Artists use various materials, such as clay, stone, or metal, to create sculptures that can be viewed from different angles, revealing their three-dimensional nature. Bruno Catalano, Le Grand Van Gogh (2013)

19. Space 7 Elements of Art Space refers to the area within and around objects in a work of art. Artists use techniques like overlapping, size variation, and atmospheric perspective to create the illusion of space. Take, for example, the use of negative space in Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” where the absence of color and form enhances the impact of the subject matter. Pablo Picasso, Guernica (1937)

20. Color 7 Elements of Art Color can evoke emotions, set the mood, and convey meaning. Artists use the color wheel and various color schemes to create harmony or contrast in their works. From the vibrant, bold colors in Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits to the subtle, muted tones in Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” color plays a significant role in the visual impact of art. Claude Monet, Water Lilies IV Frida Kahlo - Self Portrait 1940 II

21. Texture 7 Elements of Art Texture refers to the surface quality or feel of an object or artwork. It can be smooth, rough, bumpy, or even implied. Artists use various techniques, such as brushstrokes, layering, or collage, to create texture and add visual interest to their works. Consider the textured impasto technique used by Vincent van Gogh in “The Starry Night” or the tactile quality of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings.

22. Requirement 3 of 7 Discuss the six principles of design: rhythm, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, and unity

23. Rhythm 7 Elements of Art Rhythm in art refers to the repetition or alternation of elements to create a sense of movement or visual flow. Just like in music, rhythm in art can be fast or slow, regular or irregular. Artists use various techniques, such as repeating shapes, lines, or colors, to establish rhythm in their artwork. This repetition creates a sense of harmony and continuity, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition. For example, in a painting of a forest, the repeated pattern of trees or leaves can create a rhythmic flow that mimics the natural movement of the wind. Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 (1912) M.C. Escher, Lizard (1942)

24. Balance 7 Elements of Art Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition. There are two types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance occurs when elements are evenly distributed on either side of a central axis, creating a sense of stability and harmony. On the other hand, asymmetrical balance involves the distribution of elements in a way that is visually balanced but not identical on both sides. Artists use balance to create a sense of equilibrium and visual interest in their artwork. For instance, a sculpture with a heavy base and a lighter upper portion can achieve a sense of balance. Diego Rivera, Flower Day ((1925) Georgia O’Keefe, Oriental Poppies (1928)

25. Proportion 7 Elements of Art Proportion is the principle that deals with the size relationships between different elements in a composition. It involves the scale and relative size of objects or figures in relation to each other and the overall composition. Artists use proportion to create a sense of realism, harmony, or emphasis. For example, in a portrait, the artist may emphasize certain facial features by slightly exaggerating their size, while maintaining overall proportionality. María Izquierdo, The Indifferent Child (1947) Jeff Jordan, Curiosity (2009)

26. Variety 7 Elements of Art Variety is the principle that adds interest and excitement to a composition by incorporating different elements, such as shapes, colors, textures, or patterns. It helps to break up monotony and create visual contrast. Artists use variety to create focal points, highlight important elements, or evoke specific emotions. For instance, a painting with a variety of brushstrokes, colors, and textures can create a dynamic and engaging visual experience. Wassily Kandinsky, Der Sturm, Volume 10, Number 7 (1919)

27. Emphasis 7 Elements of Art Emphasis is the principle that draws attention to a specific area or element in a composition. It helps to create a focal point and guide the viewer’s eye. Artists use various techniques, such as contrast, color, size, or placement, to create emphasis. For example, in a photograph of a flower, the artist may use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and bring the flower into sharp focus, emphasizing its beauty and detail. Andrew Wyeth, Christina’s World (1948)

28. Unity 7 Elements of Art Unity is the principle that brings all the elements and principles of design together to create a cohesive and harmonious composition. It ensures that all the elements work together to convey a unified message or idea. Artists use techniques like repetition, color harmony, or consistent style to achieve unity in their artwork. For instance, in a collage, the artist may use similar colors or textures throughout the composition to create a sense of unity and visual coherence. Rene Magritte, Golconda (1953) Fernando Botero, The Musicians (1991)

29. Requirement 4 of 7 Render a subject of your choice in FOUR ways: Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Pastel, and Watercolor

30. Let’s Create! Render a subject of your choice in FOUR ways Divide paper into 4 quadrants Sketch a design that spans all 4 quadrants In each quadrant, use a different medium for producing your art: Pen & Ink Charcoal Pencil Oil Pastel Watercolor

31. Requirement 5 of 7 Tell a story through a drawing using 3-D rendering

32. Let’s Create! Tell a story through a drawing using 3-D rendering

33. Requirement 6 of 7 Visit an art gallery and discuss what you learn with your counselor.

34. Meet: Tyler Gordon At just 14, Tyler’s art became known around the world

35. Let’s take a virtual gallery tour https://vrallart.com/vr-exhibitions/eg/tyler_gordon/

36. Requirement 7 of 7 Find out about three career opportunities in art. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required.

37. Art careers Fine Artist: As a fine artist, you have the freedom to create your own artwork and exhibit it in galleries or sell it directly to collectors. This career allows you to explore your artistic vision and express your unique perspective through various mediums. Illustrator: Illustrators create visual representations for books, magazines, advertisements, and other media. They use their artistic skills to bring stories, concepts, and ideas to life, often working closely with authors, editors, and art directors. Graphic Designer: Graphic designers combine art and technology to create visual communication materials such as logos, brochures, websites, and advertisements. They use their creativity and technical skills to convey messages effectively and aesthetically. Art Director: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and imagery in various media projects, such as films, television shows, magazines, and advertising campaigns. They oversee a team of artists and designers, ensuring that the artistic vision is executed successfully. Art Teacher: If you have a passion for sharing your artistic knowledge and inspiring others, a career as an art teacher may be a great fit. Art teachers work in schools, community centers, or private studios, guiding students of all ages in developing their artistic skills and creativity. Museum Curator: Museum curators are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and displaying artwork in museums and galleries. They research and select pieces for exhibitions, organize educational programs, and collaborate with artists and other professionals in the art world. Art Conservator: Art conservators specialize in preserving and restoring artwork, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its original aesthetic qualities. They use scientific techniques and artistic expertise to repair damages, clean surfaces, and protect artwork from deterioration.

38. Troop 420 / 8420 Thank you