Grade 9 · Art

Use visual solutions to create original artwork by problem solving through direct observation, original sources, experiences, narrations, and imagination

Quarter 2 · Week 1 · TEKS

Standards Alignment

TEKS.117.302.02A primary
use visual solutions to create original artwork by problem solving through direct observation, original sources, experiences, narrations, and imagination;
TEKS.117.302.02B primary
communicate a variety of applications for design solutions;

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Lesson Overview

This Grade 9 art lesson guides students to create original artwork by applying visual problem-solving strategies using direct observation, original sources, personal experiences, narrations, and imagination. Students will explore how to communicate ideas creatively through various media by developing disciplined effort and reflective thinking, aligned with TEKS standards for Art Level I.

Learning Objectives

Create original artwork by using visual solutions developed through problem solving based on direct observation, original sources, experiences, narrations, and imagination.
Communicate and explain different applications of design solutions used in their artwork.

Success Criteria

Students produce an original artwork that clearly shows problem solving through observation, imagination, or personal experience.
Students can describe the design choices and problem-solving strategies they used in their artwork.
Students reflect thoughtfully on their artistic process and the meaning behind their work.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have basic familiarity with elements of art and principles of design, and some experience with creating artwork using various media.

Key Vocabulary

Visual solutions
Original artwork
Problem solving
Direct observation
Original sources
Narrations
Imagination
Design solutions
Creative expression
Reflective thinking

Materials and Resources

Sketchbooks or drawing paper
Pencils, erasers
Various art media (paints, markers, collage materials, etc.)
Examples of artwork for observation
Visual reference materials (photos, objects, stories)

Teacher Preparation

Select diverse artworks that demonstrate problem solving through observation and imagination to show as examples.
Prepare visual reference materials and prompts to stimulate observation and imagination.
Plan guided questions to support student reflection on artistic choices and problem-solving.
Arrange materials for student use and workspace for creating original artwork.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Visual Solutions and Problem Solving in Art

Visual solutions in art refer to the creative ways artists address challenges or ideas through visual elements such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition. Problem solving involves identifying a visual challenge or concept and experimenting with different approaches to communicate meaning effectively. In this lesson, students learn to use direct observation (looking closely at real objects or scenes), original sources (such as photographs or stories), personal experiences, narrations, and imagination as starting points to develop unique visual solutions for their artwork.

Sources for Creating Original Artwork

Students draw inspiration from multiple sources: 1) Direct observation encourages careful looking and recording of details from the environment or objects. 2) Original sources might include photographs, historical images, or cultural artifacts. 3) Personal experiences and narrations allow students to express emotions, memories, or stories visually. 4) Imagination enables students to invent new ideas or combine elements creatively. Understanding these sources helps students generate authentic and meaningful artwork.

Applying Design Solutions in Artwork

Design solutions are the decisions artists make about how to arrange visual elements to solve compositional or expressive problems. For example, balancing colors to create harmony, using contrast to emphasize a focal point, or varying textures to add interest. Students learn to communicate their design choices by explaining how these solutions help convey their intended message or feeling in the artwork.

Reflective Thinking and Artistic Choices

Reflective thinking involves analyzing and evaluating one’s own artistic process and decisions. Students are encouraged to consider why they chose certain materials, techniques, or subjects and how these choices affect the artwork’s meaning. This reflection fosters disciplined effort and helps students develop progressive problem-solving skills by learning from successes and challenges.

Common Misconceptions

- Original artwork must be completely invented; in fact, it can be inspired by real observation and experiences combined with imagination. - Problem solving in art is only about technical skills; it also involves creative thinking and decision-making. - Reflection is optional; it is essential for growth as an artist to understand and articulate one’s process and choices.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Scenario

Look at the example artwork where the artist used a photograph of a tree as a reference but added imaginative colors and shapes to express a feeling of joy. Explain how the artist solved visual problems to create this original artwork.

Explanation

The artist combined direct observation (the tree’s shape) with imagination (unusual colors and abstract shapes) to communicate an emotional idea. The visual problem was how to represent joy visually, solved by choosing bright colors and dynamic shapes that differ from the realistic tree but still relate to it.

Answer Guide

The artist used the tree’s form from observation but changed colors and shapes to express joy, solving the problem of how to show emotion visually by mixing real and imagined elements.

Engage

Teacher Activity

Show students a variety of artworks that demonstrate different ways artists solve visual problems using observation, imagination, and personal stories. Ask students to describe what they notice about how the artists used visual elements and what ideas might have inspired the work.

Student Activity

Observe the displayed artworks and discuss with peers what visual solutions or problem-solving strategies might have been used. Share initial thoughts about how artists communicate ideas visually.

Explanation

This phase activates prior knowledge and introduces the concept of visual problem solving in art. It helps students recognize that artists use diverse sources and strategies to create original work.

Examples

Students identify use of observation and imagination in artworks.
Students recognize different visual elements and design choices.
Students begin to connect artistic choices with ideas or stories.

Explore

Teacher Activity

Provide students with various visual references and prompts (photos, objects, stories). Guide them to make sketches or notes based on direct observation, personal experience, or imagination. Encourage experimentation with different ideas and media.

Student Activity

Create preliminary sketches or visual notes inspired by the provided sources. Experiment with combining observation and imagination to develop visual solutions for their artwork.

Explanation

This phase allows students to engage actively with multiple sources and begin problem solving through visual exploration, preparing them to create original artwork.

Examples

Students produce varied sketches showing observation and imagination.
Students experiment with different media or techniques.
Students articulate ideas behind their visual choices.

Explain

Teacher Activity

Model how to plan and create an original artwork using visual problem solving. Discuss your artistic choices and how you solved design challenges. Invite students to share their plans and reasoning.

Student Activity

Develop a plan for their original artwork, explaining the visual solutions and design decisions they intend to use. Begin creating the artwork applying these ideas.

Explanation

This phase focuses on making thinking visible and supporting students to articulate and apply problem-solving strategies in their own work.

Examples

Students explain their artistic plans clearly.
Students begin artwork applying planned visual solutions.
Students demonstrate understanding of design principles.

Elaborate

Teacher Activity

Facilitate a sharing session where students present their artwork and reflect on their creative process, problem solving, and design solutions. Provide constructive feedback and encourage peer discussion.

Student Activity

Share completed artwork with the class or small groups. Reflect on the sources, problem-solving strategies, and design choices used. Listen and respond to feedback.

Explanation

This phase deepens understanding by encouraging reflection and communication about artistic decisions and problem solving.

Examples

Students articulate their creative process and problem solving.
Students engage in constructive peer feedback.
Students reflect thoughtfully on their artistic growth.

Evaluate

Teacher Activity

Assess students’ artworks and reflections using criteria aligned with the learning objectives. Ask students to explain their visual solutions and design applications in a brief exit task or discussion.

Student Activity

Demonstrate understanding by explaining the visual problem solving and design solutions in their artwork. Complete a short reflection or exit ticket summarizing their learning.

Explanation

This phase confirms mastery of creating original artwork through visual problem solving and communicating design applications as required by TEKS standards.

Examples

Students clearly explain their artistic process and design choices.
Students demonstrate original problem solving in their artwork.
Students complete reflective exit tasks showing understanding.

Classroom Activity

Create preliminary sketches or visual notes inspired by the provided sources. Experiment with combining observation and imagination to develop visual solutions for their artwork.

Guided Practice

Guided Practice 1

Prompt

What does it mean to use direct observation when creating artwork?

Teacher Answer Guide

It means carefully looking at real objects or scenes to see details and then using those observations to create art.

Guided Practice 2

Prompt

Name two sources an artist can use to create original artwork besides direct observation.

Teacher Answer Guide

Original sources like photographs or stories, and personal experiences or imagination.

Guided Practice 3

Prompt

Describe how you might use your own experience and imagination together to create an original artwork.

Teacher Answer Guide

I could think about a memory that is important to me and then imagine adding colors, shapes, or symbols that express how I felt during that experience.

Guided Practice 4

Prompt

Look at an artwork that uses unusual colors and shapes inspired by a real object. How did the artist use problem solving to create this piece?

Teacher Answer Guide

The artist observed the real object but chose to change colors and shapes to express an idea or feeling, solving the problem of how to communicate more than just the object’s appearance.

Guided Practice 5

Prompt

Explain how reflecting on your artistic choices can help you improve your artwork and problem-solving skills.

Teacher Answer Guide

Reflecting helps me understand what worked well and what didn’t, so I can make better decisions next time, develop new ideas, and solve visual problems more effectively.

Independent Practice

Foundational: What does it mean to use direct observation when creating artwork?
Developing: Name two sources an artist can use to create original artwork besides direct observation.
Application: Describe how you might use your own experience and imagination together to create an original artwork.
Analysis: Look at an artwork that uses unusual colors and shapes inspired by a real object. How did the artist use problem solving to create this piece?
Challenge: Explain how reflecting on your artistic choices can help you improve your artwork and problem-solving skills.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. It means carefully looking at real objects or scenes to see details and then using those observations to create art.
2. Original sources like photographs or stories, and personal experiences or imagination.
3. I could think about a memory that is important to me and then imagine adding colors, shapes, or symbols that express how I felt during that experience.
4. The artist observed the real object but chose to change colors and shapes to express an idea or feeling, solving the problem of how to communicate more than just the object’s appearance.
5. Reflecting helps me understand what worked well and what didn’t, so I can make better decisions next time, develop new ideas, and solve visual problems more effectively.

Guiding Questions

What visual problems do you notice in the artwork and how are they solved?
How can your own experiences or imagination inspire your artwork?
What design choices will best communicate your idea?
How did you solve challenges while creating your artwork?
How does your artwork express your thoughts or story?

Common Misconceptions

Original artwork must be completely invented without using real observation or experience.
Problem solving in art is only about technical skills, not creative thinking.
Reflection on artistic choices is optional and not important for learning.

Differentiation

Support and Intervention

Provide visual examples with clear, simple explanations. Use guided questions to help students describe their observations. Allow use of familiar objects or stories as sources for artwork.

English-Language Learner Support

Use visuals and gestures to explain key vocabulary. Provide sentence starters for describing artwork and choices. Encourage sharing ideas in small groups before whole class discussion.

Advanced and Extension

Challenge students to combine multiple sources (observation, narration, imagination) in complex ways. Encourage experimentation with unconventional materials or techniques. Have students lead peer critiques focusing on problem solving and design solutions.

Assessment

Observe students’ participation in discussions about visual problem solving.
Review sketches and notes for evidence of using observation and imagination.
Listen to students explain their artistic plans and choices during creation.
Describe one way you used problem solving to create your artwork.
Explain how your artwork communicates an idea or feeling.
Name a source you used to inspire your artwork and how you used it.
Create an original artwork that shows problem solving through observation and imagination and write a reflection explaining your design choices and sources.

Answer Guide

What does it mean to use direct observation when creating artwork?
Answer: It means carefully looking at real objects or scenes to see details and then using those observations to create art.
Name two sources an artist can use to create original artwork besides direct observation.
Answer: Original sources like photographs or stories, and personal experiences or imagination.
Describe how you might use your own experience and imagination together to create an original artwork.
Answer: I could think about a memory that is important to me and then imagine adding colors, shapes, or symbols that express how I felt during that experience.
Look at an artwork that uses unusual colors and shapes inspired by a real object. How did the artist use problem solving to create this piece?
Answer: The artist observed the real object but chose to change colors and shapes to express an idea or feeling, solving the problem of how to communicate more than just the object’s appearance.
Explain how reflecting on your artistic choices can help you improve your artwork and problem-solving skills.
Answer: Reflecting helps me understand what worked well and what didn’t, so I can make better decisions next time, develop new ideas, and solve visual problems more effectively.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to observe objects or scenes at home and create quick sketches or notes. Ask them to think about how their experiences or stories could inspire original artwork and share these ideas with family members.

Homework or Home Connection

Encourage students to observe objects or scenes at home and create quick sketches or notes. Ask them to think about how their experiences or stories could inspire original artwork and share these ideas with family members.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned to create original artwork by using visual problem solving based on direct observation, original sources, personal experiences, narrations, and imagination. They explored how to communicate ideas through thoughtful design solutions and reflected on their artistic choices to develop creative expression and disciplined effort aligned with TEKS standards.

Teacher Notes

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

Related Lessons

Identify and understand the principles of design, including emphasis, repetition/pattern, movement/rhythm, contrast/variety, balance, proportion, and unity, in personal artwork