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.117.304.02C 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.117.304.02D primary
  create original artwork to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions;

Lesson Overview

This Grade 11 art lesson guides students to understand copyright and public domain concepts and apply this knowledge to appropriate imagery as the main focal point in their original artwork. Students will learn to work from images rather than direct observation or imagination, ensuring their creations respect legal and ethical standards. The lesson emphasizes creative expression by communicating thoughts, feelings, and ideas through original artwork, fostering reflective thinking and disciplined artistic effort.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the difference between copyright-protected images and public domain images.
• Use an understanding of copyright and public domain to select imagery as the main focal point for original artwork when working from images rather than direct observation or imagination.
• Create original artwork that communicates personal thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions using appropriate imagery.
• Reflect on artistic choices regarding imagery selection, materials, and meaning in their artwork.

Success Criteria

• Students can identify whether an image is copyright-protected or in the public domain.
• Students select appropriate images respecting copyright laws to serve as the main focal point in their artwork.
• Students produce original artwork that clearly communicates their intended message or emotion.
• Students articulate their artistic decisions and how copyright considerations influenced their work.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have basic familiarity with artistic media and techniques, and a general understanding of what original artwork means. Prior experience with creating art from direct observation or imagination is helpful.

Key Vocabulary

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

Materials and Resources

• Examples of artwork using public domain and copyright images
• Printed or digital images labeled as copyright-protected and public domain
• Art supplies (drawing paper, paints, pencils, digital art tools, etc.)
• Projector or screen for displaying images
• Handouts summarizing copyright and public domain concepts

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare a brief presentation explaining copyright and public domain with examples.
• Select and organize images for student analysis, clearly indicating copyright status.
• Prepare a rubric or checklist for assessing originality and appropriate use of imagery.
• Arrange art materials and workspace for student creation.
• Plan reflection prompts to guide student discussion on artistic choices.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Copyright and Public Domain

Copyright is a legal protection granted to creators of original works, including images, which restricts how others can use those works without permission. Public domain refers to works whose copyrights have expired or were never protected, allowing free use by anyone. Understanding these concepts helps artists use images ethically and legally when creating new artwork.

Appropriating Imagery in Original Artwork

Appropriation in art means using existing images as part of new artwork. When working from images rather than direct observation or imagination, artists must ensure the images are either in the public domain or used with permission to avoid copyright infringement. Appropriated imagery can serve as the main focal point, but the final artwork must be original in concept and execution.

Communicating Through Original Artwork

Original artwork communicates the artist's thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions. Even when using appropriated imagery, the artist transforms it to express something new and personal. This process involves creative decisions about composition, style, and media to convey meaning effectively.

Planning and Creating Artwork Using Appropriated Imagery

Artists should plan their artwork by selecting appropriate images, considering copyright status, and deciding how to integrate the imagery as the focal point. The creation process involves adapting the image through techniques such as alteration, combination with other elements, or reinterpretation to ensure originality.

Reflecting on Artistic Choices and Legal Considerations

Reflection helps artists understand the impact of their choices on the artwork's meaning and legal standing. Discussing why certain images were chosen, how they were transformed, and how copyright influenced these decisions fosters deeper artistic insight and responsible practice.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Analyze a set of images labeled as copyright-protected or public domain. Practice determining which images can be used freely and which require permission.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What does it mean if an image is in the public domain?
2. Developing: Why should artists understand copyright when using images in their artwork?
3. Application: You found an image online labeled as copyright-protected. How can you use it legally in your artwork?
4. Analysis: Compare two artworks: one uses a public domain image as the main focal point, and the other uses a copyright-protected image without permission. What are the legal and ethical differences?
5. Challenge: Design a plan for creating an original artwork using an appropriated image. Explain how you will ensure your work respects copyright and communicates your personal ideas.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. It means the image is free for anyone to use without needing permission because it is not protected by copyright.
2. 2. Because using copyright-protected images without permission can be illegal, and understanding copyright helps artists use images ethically and legally.
3. 3. You can ask the copyright owner for permission or license, or choose to use a public domain image instead, or create your own original image inspired by it.
4. 4. The artwork using the public domain image is legal and ethical because it respects copyright laws. The artwork using the copyright-protected image without permission is illegal and unethical because it infringes on the creator's rights.
5. 5. I will select an image from the public domain or get permission for a copyright-protected image. I will transform the image creatively by altering composition, style, or combining it with other elements to make it original. My artwork will express my own thoughts or feelings through these changes, ensuring both legal use and personal expression.

Guiding Questions

• What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
• How can you tell if an image is safe to use in your artwork?
• Why is originality important when using existing images?
• How does your artwork communicate your personal ideas or feelings?
• What did you learn about the relationship between art and legal considerations?

Common Misconceptions

• Using any image found online is always legal for artwork.
• Appropriation means copying an image exactly without change.
• Original artwork cannot include any existing images.
• Public domain images are low quality or not useful for art.
• Copyright only applies to commercial art, not student projects.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Ask students to classify images as copyright-protected or public domain during exploration.
• Observe student planning sketches for appropriate image use.
• Facilitate discussions on artistic choices and copyright understanding.
• Explain in your own words why it is important to understand copyright when using images in art.
• Describe one way you can make an artwork original when using an existing image.
• Create an original artwork using an appropriated image as the main focal point, accompanied by a written reflection explaining your artistic and copyright decisions.

Answer Guide

• What is the difference between copyright and public domain?
  Answer: Copyright protects original works and restricts use without permission, while public domain works can be used freely by anyone.
• How can you ensure your artwork is original when using an existing image?
  Answer: By transforming the image creatively through changes in composition, style, or combining it with other elements to express new ideas.
• Why is it important to respect copyright laws in art?
  Answer: Respecting copyright laws protects creators' rights and avoids legal issues, ensuring ethical and responsible art-making.
• What should you do if you want to use a copyright-protected image?
  Answer: Seek permission or a license from the copyright owner or choose an image in the public domain.
• How does using public domain images benefit artists?
  Answer: Artists can freely use, modify, and share public domain images without legal restrictions, encouraging creativity and originality.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to discuss with family members or friends about images they see in media and whether they think those images are copyright-protected or in the public domain. Students can bring examples to share in class.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to discuss with family members or friends about images they see in media and whether they think those images are copyright-protected or in the public domain. Students can bring examples to share in class.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned to distinguish between copyright-protected and public domain images and how to use this knowledge to create original artwork with appropriated imagery as the main focal point. They practiced planning and creating artwork that communicates personal ideas while respecting legal and ethical standards. Reflecting on their artistic choices deepened their understanding of creative expression and responsible art-making.

Teacher Notes

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

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