• Unit 2: Who Makes Art – Process and Training

    This unit explores artistic processes in their social contexts, covering individual artists turning their ideas into works of art, forms of collaborative creative projects, public art, and the role of the viewer.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain the meaning of both form and content; and
      • describe the role of the critic.

    • Artistic Process Primer

      • Discussion Topic 3: The Artistic Process URL

        Reflect on this discussion prompt. If you wish, post your thoughts on the discussion forum. Consider replying to your classmates' posts as well.

        Who makes art? Do you think artists have innate ability or acquired skill (or both)? How do artists' roles change with different cultural considerations?

    • 2.1: The Artistic Process

      • The Artistic Process Page

        This article is an introduction to the elements involved in creating a work of art.

    • 2.2: The Individual Artist

      • The Individual Artist Page

        Artists work in a variety of ways. Read this section to get a sense of the individual differences in artists' style of work.

      • Discussion Topic 4: Art21 URL

        Reflect on this discussion prompt. If you wish, post your thoughts on the discussion forum. Leave a reply to your classmates' posts as well!

        Watch at least five short videos from Art21. Watch how they work and what they say about their process. In your post, cover the following:

        • List the artists you viewed.
        • Who surprised you the most?
        • Which artist was most concerned with the process of making the work?
        • Which artist was most concerned with creativity in the idea for their art or the work itself?
        • Which artist was most concerned with materials?

    • 2.3: Artistic Training Methods

      • Artistic Training Methods Page

        Read this text to understand the ways people have historically trained to become artists and how artists are trained today.

    • 2.4: Art as a Social Activity

      • Art as a Social Activity Page
        Historically, many artworks were not created by a single person, and art production today is also often the result of people working together. Read this section as an introduction to how artists collaborate with other artists as well as non-artists when producing works of art.

    • Unit 2 Wrap-up

      • Activity 3: Art as a Social Activity versus Singular Creative Act Quiz

        This activity asks you to reflect on the differences between collaborative and solitary art projects.

      • Unit 2 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.