The Daily Life of an Art Teacher: Nurturing Creativity and Skill

Art is more than just a hobby or a pastime; it is a fundamental skill that can enhance cognitive development and problem-solving abilities. As an art teacher, one's daily life is filled with the challenge of nurturing creativity and imparting essential skills to students. This article delves into the daily routines of an art teacher and the impact they have on their students' lives.

Valuing Art Skills for Real-World Applications

Artistic skills are not merely about drawing and painting; they possess a multitude of practical applications. Drawing, sculpting, and even simple crafts like wood carving can be invaluable in a variety of professions and daily life. Despite modern safety concerns, basic skills in art remain crucial, as evidenced by the engineering drafting courses that are still highly relevant today. These skills provide practical, utilitarian value to an individual, making them more versatile and adaptable in a changing world.

The Role of an Art Teacher

For the past 37 years, the author has dedicated their life to teaching art, particularly at the university level in Nashville. Over the last 24 years, the author has been responsible for teaching a range of students—from art majors to non-art majors—in a course called Painting One. Here, the instructor shared key insights into their daily teaching methods and the goals they strive to achieve for each student.

Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum was structured around a series of projects aimed at teaching various artistic techniques and styles. The first project involved painting a portrait in oil on a stretched canvas, 324 inches, using a life-size sketch of the head and face proportions. This was followed by a landscape painting in acrylic, 24x30 inches, and a watercolor on watercolor paper, 24x30 inches. These projects varied in technique and required students to master fundamental skills such as color mixing and watercolor application. The final project was a mixed-media work on canvas, which encouraged the use of non-paint materials to create a more complex and engaging piece.

Essential Teaching Practices

In teaching these projects, the instructor emphasized several key practices:

Leading by example: Demonstrating painting techniques and color mixing processes. Self-correction: Encouraging students to develop the ability to self-judge and correct their work. Embracing individual style: Promoting the understanding and appreciation of each student's unique artistic voice. Building a foundation: Ensuring students have a strong grasp of the fundamentals before moving on to more complex projects. Preparing for college-level work: Preparing students for the challenges and expectations of advanced art classes.

The Impact on Students

The ultimate goal is to empower every student to:

Learn from their artwork: Reflecting on their efforts to understand the essential elements of their work. Self-assess effectively: Identifying strengths and areas for improvement in their artwork. Embrace flexibility and style: Recognizing and developing their own artistic style while being open to change.

Conclusion

While the daily life of an art teacher may seem simple, it is a complex and vital role in shaping the future of artists and thinkers. Through persistent practice and structured instruction, art teachers like the author ensure that their students are not only talented but also well-prepared and confident in their artistic journey.

Keywords: art teaching, visual arts, art education