Unit1. What Is Art?

Що таке мистецтво?

Ex. 1. Прочитайте та перекладіть текст:

You are about to enter an exciting world. This is a world of amazing ideas and baffling puzzles. It’s a world in which cultural and historical heritage is expressed. It is a place to explore your creativity and challenge your problem-solving skills. At the same time, you will become more aware of your environment. The images and objects you encounter will stir your imagination. This is the world of art.

What exactly is art? There are many definitions of this term. In this book, art will be described as a visual statement that communicates an idea, expresses a feeling, or presents an interesting design. Artists make these visual statements using many different tools, materials and methods. Some artists paint, while others create sculpture. Sometimes they use cameras or computers as tools for creating art.

DEVELOPING PERCEPTUAL SKILLS

Learning about art involves more than just looking at an object. It involves seeing, or perceiving. To perceive is to become aware through the senses of the special nature of objects. These perceptual skills can be developed by increasing visual awareness. This can be done by closely studying an object or scene and examining the details.

To understand the difference between looking and perceiving, examine Figure 1-1. How would you describe this painting? You might note that this is a skillfully done picture of a coastal village. You might add that there are several people working outdoors, yet there is much more going on in this painting. Look again, and focus your attention on the trees. Notice that the branches are bare. This

observation provides a clue to the time of year: the scene is set in the fall or early winter. Next, look at the sky. Its appearance gives clues about the weather. Dark clouds have gathered overhead, signaling the approach of a storm. In fact, the storm has already reached portions of the town below. Notice the choppy seas toward the center of the painting.

Waves toss boats about, causing some of them to capsize. This is no ordinary storm. Nor is this a simple painting of an outdoor scene. It depicts people securing their homes minutes before a storm. It is a visual tale in which people prepare for the power of nature.

LEARNING FROM ART

Art has the power to challenge our minds and stir up our feelings. The ability to interpret art can be learned with practice. This art program will prepare you to use your eyes and mind to analyze many different kinds of art. As each new art experience unfolds, your ability to perceive and create art will increase. You can always learn from art, whether or not you choose to pursue art as a vocation, or

career. Studying or creating art as a hobby also helps you gain knowledge of and

appreciation for art.

AVOCATIONAL AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

There are many avocational opportunities in art. Avocational means not related to a job or career. Creating paintings, jewelry, fiberart, or ceramics can be fun and rewarding.

Pursuing art for personal enjoyment can teach you life skills as well. It can help

strengthen your problem-solving skills. For example, you can use the elements and principles of art to come up with a design solution for a project. Creating art for recreation also allows you to experiment with a variety of tools, materials, and techniques.

Creating art as an avocation can sharpen your interpersonal skills, which involves working and communicating with others. For example, you might participate in a group critique after creating a studio project in the classroom. This can improve your ability to analyze works by peers and others. It can also help provide insight into your personal art works.

Ex. 2. Складіть 5 запитань до тексту.

Ex. 3. Дайте відповіді на питання:

1. Did you notice that this storm has already dumped snow on the mountains in the background?

2. What do you think it would feel like to be the people in the foreground of this painting?

Ex. 4. Письмово заповніть пропуски:

developed, experiment, creativity, homes

1.It is a place to explore your … and challenge your problem-solving skills.

2. These perceptual skills can be … by increasing visual awareness.

3. It depicts people securing their … minutes before a storm.

4. Creating art for recreation also allows you to with a variety of tools, materials, and techniques.

Домашнє завдання:

Ex.5. Перекажіть текст.

Питання для самоконтролю:

1. Identify ways you can improve your perceptual skills.

2. Identify avocational opportunities or choices in art.

UNIT 2. Various Forms of Art