How can I prepare for the artist tests?
Step One: Begin at the beginning.
Learning about the artists starts with viewing various works, and then searching the internet to try to find out who created each work. The more you engage in this process, the more you'll learn. Even if you are not the person or team that finds the answer, it pays off to pay attention and listen carefully.
Step Two: When we take notes, take them.
The forms provided give space for not only the artist's name, but also key concepts about the artist and space for you to describe how to identify the style. There is also space for connections. Connections can be to other artists, time periods, or something else shown in class that has a connection to the artwork or artist. The more you learn about the artists, their styles and Art History, the more connections you will be able to make. The connections you make by viewing the work leads to new knowledge, such as, "Those artists are from the same time and place," "Those artists were friends," "Those artists were married," or "This artist taught or influenced the other." All of these connections lead to a greater understanding of Art History. Make visual notes: Space is provided for visual notes. This can be a quick sketch of the work or just a drawing of something that reminds you of the main concepts the artists worked with.
Step Three: Repeat to remember. Remember to repeat.
Study the flashcards. Do not try to memorize the order of slideshow. This will leave you not knowing the artists and likely to make mistakes, especially if the order is changed. Do "incremental rehearsal" as we do in class with the flashcards. Start with one work of art and say the artist's name out loud. Go on to another work and then back to the first. Continue adding a card or two until you have completed them all. You may have to write the name down or repeat the name three times to get things to stick. Create a mnemonic device to help you remember. By making information more complicated, it can help you to remember. Study only 5-10 minutes at a time. It is best to do another 5 minute study session within a half hour of the first. Do not cram the night before the tests. Study every couple of days until the tests.
Step Four: Stacking the deck in your favor.
As you study the flashcards take responsibility for your own education. Do Google image searches on the artists to see other works they have created. Compare and contrast them to the work you have seen and to other the artists. Analyze the works. What are their similarities and differences? Pay attention to type of art the artist created. Are they known for painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, video/performance art? What subjects or themes are common in their art. Are the works realistic, abstract, or nonobjective? Creating your own test using artwork you find will make it easier to succeed.
Learning about the artists starts with viewing various works, and then searching the internet to try to find out who created each work. The more you engage in this process, the more you'll learn. Even if you are not the person or team that finds the answer, it pays off to pay attention and listen carefully.
Step Two: When we take notes, take them.
The forms provided give space for not only the artist's name, but also key concepts about the artist and space for you to describe how to identify the style. There is also space for connections. Connections can be to other artists, time periods, or something else shown in class that has a connection to the artwork or artist. The more you learn about the artists, their styles and Art History, the more connections you will be able to make. The connections you make by viewing the work leads to new knowledge, such as, "Those artists are from the same time and place," "Those artists were friends," "Those artists were married," or "This artist taught or influenced the other." All of these connections lead to a greater understanding of Art History. Make visual notes: Space is provided for visual notes. This can be a quick sketch of the work or just a drawing of something that reminds you of the main concepts the artists worked with.
Step Three: Repeat to remember. Remember to repeat.
Study the flashcards. Do not try to memorize the order of slideshow. This will leave you not knowing the artists and likely to make mistakes, especially if the order is changed. Do "incremental rehearsal" as we do in class with the flashcards. Start with one work of art and say the artist's name out loud. Go on to another work and then back to the first. Continue adding a card or two until you have completed them all. You may have to write the name down or repeat the name three times to get things to stick. Create a mnemonic device to help you remember. By making information more complicated, it can help you to remember. Study only 5-10 minutes at a time. It is best to do another 5 minute study session within a half hour of the first. Do not cram the night before the tests. Study every couple of days until the tests.
Step Four: Stacking the deck in your favor.
As you study the flashcards take responsibility for your own education. Do Google image searches on the artists to see other works they have created. Compare and contrast them to the work you have seen and to other the artists. Analyze the works. What are their similarities and differences? Pay attention to type of art the artist created. Are they known for painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, video/performance art? What subjects or themes are common in their art. Are the works realistic, abstract, or nonobjective? Creating your own test using artwork you find will make it easier to succeed.
Ready for the tests?
- Have you studied the flashcards?
- Can you remember the names of the artists and match them to their artwork?
- Do you have a firm grasp of what concepts the artists were known for?
- Have you done Google image searches to see other works by the artists?