Stages of Art Development

Stage One: Manipulative

Random attempts to manipulate various materials – scribbling, thick sweeps of paint strokes, pounding and squeezing of clay. Typically seen in children under 4 years, with focus on experiential and tactile.

Stage Two: Patterning/Design

Typically develops by age 4, experimentation with beginning to master materials. Children discovering lines, shapes, dots, spaces, and patterns.

Stage Three: Naming/Symbolic

Children able to make models or pictures representing things, often with object in mind as they begin the process.

Stage Four: Representation

Develops around age 5 or 6, with children’s art actually resembling objects represented. Initially many details missing, with more detail as skill level and motor control develop.

Art Elements: line, shape, form, color and texture.

Principles of Visual Organization: unity, variety, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, movement, repetition, pattern.

Cathy Abraham

childcarediva@aol.com

Popularity: 3% [?]