Adolescent Art: The Period of Decision
AGES: 13-17 years
During adolescence, students must evaluate the importance of art in their lives and decide whether they wish o further pursue exploring and creating their visual language. Lownefeld terms this stage "artistic decision." Creating art is often an important outlet for young adults. The subject matter of their work often gives inside into the individual's interests and feelings. Those who are stressed or emotionally burdened, often find art production therapeutic. Styles range from realistic to abstract and can deal with complex social issues.
For students who decide to pursue art-making, the quality of their work is less defined by others and becomes a greater result of personal choices. Artists at this stage, however, are fragile. They are quick to notice their own shortcomings and must often be encouraged through honest and constructive criticism. In order to understand how to communicate well through visual means, young students often copy the work of master artists in order to develop specific skills and techniques.
Students who choose not to continue studying art often remain stuck at an earlier stage of development and do not challenge their visual way of seeing and depicting the world. As students gain more mature skills, their work becomes more personal. Adolescents challenge themselves by exploring new media and gaining a variety of skills.
Characteristics to look for include:
For students who decide to pursue art-making, the quality of their work is less defined by others and becomes a greater result of personal choices. Artists at this stage, however, are fragile. They are quick to notice their own shortcomings and must often be encouraged through honest and constructive criticism. In order to understand how to communicate well through visual means, young students often copy the work of master artists in order to develop specific skills and techniques.
Students who choose not to continue studying art often remain stuck at an earlier stage of development and do not challenge their visual way of seeing and depicting the world. As students gain more mature skills, their work becomes more personal. Adolescents challenge themselves by exploring new media and gaining a variety of skills.
Characteristics to look for include:
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