Visual Arts (Grades 5–12) Subtest 1

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of the elements of art (e.g., color, line, shape, form, texture, value, space)
• describing the characteristics and qualities of the elements of art in a given work of art
• analyzing how the elements of art have been used to affect perception, achieve specific effects, or communicate ideas in a given artwork
• comparing and contrasting ways in which elements of art are used in different works of art

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of the principles of design (e.g., balance, contrast, unity, variety, emphasis, harmony, repetition, rhythm, pattern, movement)
• describing the characteristics and qualities of the principles of design in a given work of art
• analyzing how the principles of design have been used to affect perception, achieve specific effects, or communicate ideas in a given artwork
• comparing and contrasting ways in which principles of design are used in different works of art

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of contemporary approaches of visual organization (e.g., appropriation, hybridization, re-contextualization, juxtaposition, destruction, text and image, disruption of expected order)
• describing the characteristics and qualities of contemporary approaches of visual organization in a given work of art
• analyzing how contemporary approaches of visual organization have been used to affect perception, achieve specific effects, or communicate ideas in a given artwork
• comparing and contrasting ways in which contemporary approaches of visual organization are used in different works of art

For example:

• identifying potential sources of ideas for works of visual art (e.g., artistic metaphors; physical world; personal experiences; consideration of multiple audiences; psychological interests; topics, concepts, and ideas from other disciplines, cultures, and peoples; reflection on the elements of art and principles of design)
• demonstrating knowledge of the steps involved in various approaches to creating works of visual art (e.g., teaching creativity, defining the problem, developing multiple ideas, elaborating and refining selected ideas as work proceeds, articulating the idea with art media, determining whether a work is finished)
• demonstrating knowledge of artistic choices that are made to create meaning and support intent when creating works of visual art (e.g., specific function or intended audience, use of elements of art and principles of design to emphasize intended meaning, visual qualities that are desired, media and techniques to be used, style of communication to be used [e.g., realism, expressionism, formalism, functionalism, postmodernism])

For example:

• demonstrating knowledge of differing definitions of art and differing aesthetic approaches, theories, and processes used in addressing aesthetic questions
• applying critical perspectives and understanding standards used to describe, analyze, interpret, and judge works of art, including distinguishing among factual, value, and meaning claims
• demonstrating understanding that learning about and analyzing art involves questioning, researching, drawing conclusions, and forming concepts about the nature of art to distinguish works of art from other objects
• understanding the effect of cultural and temporal contexts on the appearance of artworks and the perspectives of multiple persons, cultures, and times in interpreting art
• applying critical models to compare and contrast artworks and qualities within artworks
• applying visual literacy strategies to analyze works of art