In seventh grade art, students continue reviewing and applying knowledge of the basic elements of art (line, shape, value, texture, color, form), and the principles of art (balance, scale, proportion, repetition, unity, pattern, emphasis). They learn to understand how these elements and principles can be applied through a variety of visual art media, techniques and processes. Students begin the year expanding on their vocabulary of the elements with marker and paper, and research ways in which these two-dimensional marks can be translated into a 3D object. Students design and create abstract clay “vessels” that illustrate each of the elements of art. Upon completion of these ceramic vessels, students will draw from observation a still life using chalk pastels. As the year progresses, students continue to develop their skills in collaboration, research, interpretation, independent thinking and connection-making. Along with their study of the Renaissance period in history, students collaborate in small groups and research and design a life-size garment reflective of the period; they then create the garment using only newspaper, masking tape and scissors. Students are also introduced to computer graphics and animation as another visual art media.