Use an understanding of copyright and public domain to appropriate imagery constituting the main focal point of original artwork when working from images rather than direct

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.117.303.02C primary
  use an understanding of copyright and public domain to appropriate imagery constituting the main focal point of original artwork when working from images rather than direct observation or imagination;
• TEKS.117.303.02D primary
  create original artwork to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions;

Lesson Overview

This Grade 10 art lesson guides students to use their understanding of copyright and public domain to appropriately appropriate imagery as the main focal point of original artwork when working from images rather than direct observation or imagination. Students will also create original artworks that communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions, fostering creative expression and reflective thinking.

Learning Objectives

• Use knowledge of copyright and public domain to select and appropriate imagery as the main focal point in original artwork when working from images rather than direct observation or imagination.
• Create original artwork that communicates personal thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions using a variety of media and techniques.

Success Criteria

• Students can explain the difference between copyright-protected images and public domain images.
• Students can identify appropriate images for use in original artwork without violating copyright.
• Students create an original artwork that uses appropriated imagery as the main focal point and effectively communicates their intended message or feeling.
• Students reflect on their artistic choices and explain how copyright and public domain influenced their work.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic art creation processes and have prior experience with creating original artwork. They should also have a basic awareness of intellectual property concepts, though this lesson will build on that understanding specifically related to copyright and public domain in art.

Key Vocabulary

• Copyright
• Public Domain
• Appropriation
• Original Artwork
• Imagery
• Creative Expression
• Focal Point

Materials and Resources

• Examples of artwork using appropriated imagery
• Printed or digital images from public domain sources
• Examples of copyrighted images (for discussion only, not for use)
• Art supplies (drawing paper, pencils, paints, collage materials, digital art tools)
• Projector or screen to display images
• Handouts on copyright and public domain definitions and examples

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare a short presentation defining copyright and public domain with examples relevant to art.
• Gather examples of artworks that use appropriated imagery legally and creatively.
• Prepare discussion questions and reflection prompts about ethical use of images.
• Set up materials and workspace for students to create original artwork using appropriated imagery.
• Prepare handouts summarizing key points about copyright and public domain for student reference.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Copyright and Public Domain

Copyright is a legal protection granted to creators of original works, including images and artworks, that restricts others from using those works without permission. Public domain refers to works whose copyrights have expired or were never protected, allowing anyone to use them freely. In art, understanding these concepts helps artists know which images they can legally use as references or incorporate into their own work without infringing on others' rights.

Appropriating Imagery in Original Artwork

Appropriation in art means using existing images or elements from other sources to create new, original artworks. When working from images rather than direct observation or imagination, artists must ensure the images they use are either in the public domain or used with permission to avoid copyright infringement. Appropriated imagery can become the main focal point of original artwork if transformed or combined creatively to express new ideas or feelings.

Creating Original Artwork to Communicate Ideas

Original artwork communicates the artist's thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions. Using appropriated imagery as a starting point, students should apply their own creative decisions—such as composition, color, style, and media—to make the artwork uniquely theirs. This process involves reflection on artistic intent and disciplined effort to solve creative problems, resulting in a piece that expresses personal meaning.

Examples and Modeling

Show students examples of artworks that use appropriated imagery legally, such as works based on public domain images or those that transform copyrighted images sufficiently under fair use. Discuss how these artists communicated their ideas through their choices. Model planning an artwork by selecting an image from the public domain, sketching ideas, and explaining how to make the final piece original and expressive.

Reflection and Ethical Considerations

Encourage students to reflect on their choices of images and how copyright and public domain influenced their work. Discuss the importance of respecting other artists' rights and the value of creating original expressions. Address common misconceptions, such as believing all images on the internet are free to use or that minor changes to a copyrighted image automatically make it original.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Examine images and classify them as public domain or copyrighted. Discuss why certain images can or cannot be used.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is the difference between a copyrighted image and a public domain image?
2. Developing: Why is it important to understand copyright when using images in your artwork?
3. Application: You found an image online that you want to use as the main focal point in your artwork. How can you determine if you can use it legally?
4. Analysis: Explain how an artist can make an artwork original when using an image from the public domain.
5. Challenge: Describe a scenario where using a copyrighted image might be allowed in artwork and explain why.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. A copyrighted image is legally protected and cannot be used without permission, while a public domain image is free for anyone to use because its copyright has expired or it was never copyrighted.
2. 2. Because using copyrighted images without permission can violate legal rights and ethical standards, so understanding copyright helps you use images legally and respectfully.
3. 3. You can check if the image is labeled as public domain or has a Creative Commons license allowing use, or if you have permission from the copyright holder. If not, you should not use it.
4. 4. An artist can transform the image by changing colors, composition, adding new elements, or combining it with other images or media to express their own ideas, making the artwork original.
5. 5. Using a copyrighted image might be allowed under fair use if the artwork transforms the image significantly for purposes like commentary, criticism, or parody, but this depends on legal interpretation and is not always guaranteed.

Guiding Questions

• What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
• How can you legally use images in your artwork?
• Why is it important to create original artwork even when using existing images?
• How do your artistic choices communicate your ideas?
• What did you learn about respecting other artists' rights?

Common Misconceptions

• All images found on the internet are free to use in artwork.
• Making small changes to a copyrighted image automatically makes it original and legal to use.
• Public domain means the image is owned by the government and cannot be used.
• Appropriating imagery means copying an image exactly without changes.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Classify images as copyrighted or public domain during exploration.
• Discuss and explain the difference between copyright and public domain.
• Explain how to make artwork original when using existing images.
• Write a short explanation of why understanding copyright is important when creating art.
• Describe how you used a public domain image in your artwork.
• Explain one creative choice you made to make your artwork original.
• Create a portfolio piece that uses appropriated imagery legally and creatively.
• Write a reflection on the process of creating original artwork using images from public domain.

Answer Guide

• What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
  Answer: Copyright protects original works and restricts use without permission; public domain works are free to use by anyone because their copyright has expired or never existed.
• How can you legally use images in your artwork?
  Answer: By selecting images from the public domain, obtaining permission from copyright holders, or using images under licenses that allow use, and by transforming images creatively.
• Why is it important to create original artwork even when using existing images?
  Answer: Creating original artwork shows personal expression, respects other artists' rights, and avoids legal issues related to copyright infringement.
• How did the artist make the example artwork original using a public domain image?
  Answer: The artist altered colors, added new elements, and combined images to express a unique message, making the artwork original.
• What did you learn about respecting other artists' rights?
  Answer: That it is important to use images legally and ethically, respecting copyright laws and giving credit when needed to honor creators' work.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to discuss with family members how images are used in media and art, and to find examples of public domain images or copyrighted images in everyday life.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to discuss with family members how images are used in media and art, and to find examples of public domain images or copyrighted images in everyday life.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned the difference between copyright and public domain and how to use this knowledge to appropriate imagery legally as the main focal point in their original artwork. They practiced creating artworks that communicate personal ideas while respecting legal and ethical standards. Through reflection and presentation, students demonstrated understanding of creative expression combined with responsible image use.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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