Explore the Elements of Art With These Resources
Explore the beauty of these FREE art educational resources–all aligned to NY State Academic Standards.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Elementary School
The Elements of Art
In this teacher resource from the National Gallery of Art, students will be introduced to the basic elements of art (color, line, shape, form, and texture) and how artists use these elements in different ways in their work. In the unit, students will answer questions as they look carefully at paintings and sculpture to identify the elements and analyze how they are used by different artists.
Related NY State Academic Standards: ARTS.VA.E.1.1.A, ARTS.VA.E.1.1.C, ARTS.VA.E.1.1.E, and more!
Middle School
Proportions in Picasso’s Portraiture
In this unit from NYSATL, students will explore the works of Pablo Picasso and select one style to create self-portraits.
Related NY State Academic Standards: ARTS.VA.I.1.1.B, ARTS. VA.I.1.1.C, ARTS.VA.I.1.1.D, and more!
High School
Oil Painting
In this unit from St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, students will work to understand the assessment procedure by discussing the assessment goals. Students will present their oil paintings to the class for peer feedback for mid-project suggestions (group discussion), as well as a final critique. Classmates will view the finished paintings and complete an evaluation worksheet critiquing a partner’s painting. The worksheet allows students to feel a sense of ownership throughout the grading process.
Related NY State Academic Standards: ARTS.VA.C.1.1.GE.B, ARTS.VA.C.1.1.GE.D, ARTS.VA.C.2.1.GE.B, and more!
Also be sure to check out our Featured Content Archive, featuring thousands of activities, lesson plans, constructed-response questions, rubrics, teacher resources, multimedia, and more!