Introduction
The development of visual language, like the acquisition of other languages (verbal, musical, bodily, mathematical, etc.) is a process. Beginning at birth, and continuing into adulthood, we develop and enrich our artistic skills through exposure to visual stimuli, tools and materials. Over time, we learn new ways of understanding and responding to visual information. Knowledge of the different stages of artistic growth can aide in this process.
This website is a resource that describes children's artistic development in relation to their cognitive, emotional, linguistic, and social growth. Each developmental stage is summarized under the Timeline page. Artworks are used to illustrate the characteristics and benchmarks of each artistic period. The selected artworks include examples from male and female students I have taught or worked with over the past ten years, as well examples of my own artwork. |
Things to Remember...
- Researchers describe each stage in relation to specific age levels, however each learner is unique and progresses at his/her own pace.
- Internal and/or external factors may influence how a child progresses through each stage.
- More than one "stage" may be evident in a single drawing.