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The Monart system for drawing teaches the student
to perceive the world around them through five basic elements of shape.
Just as a child learns to read by first mastering phoenetic
rules and the alphabet, and a musician learns musical notation,
a student learning to draw should first be given some basic
tools for learning to see from an artist's perspective. |
A student of the Monart Method will first learn
to identify and then recreate these elements, or parts of shape.
These elements, when combined, can make up any object in the
world.
The student quickly discovers that drawing is something anyone
can learn to do with instruction and practice, not just a talent
that only a few inherently poses.
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This method was created by Mona Brookes over
twenty years ago. Since its first introduction, it has been
incorporated into school curriculums worldwide through her books,
Drawing With Children and Drawing for Older Children
and Teens. |
It has been used by optometrists
in sensory integration programs, as well as by a variety of
therapy and health care professionals. Public school teachers
who receive in-service training and use the Monart Method in
their classrooms report that reading and math levels rise, critical
thinking skills improve, and concentration increases.
Students often see improved fine-motor and hand-eye coordination,
an increase in attention span, and improved self-esteem as they
aquire new skills, and feel more confident in expressing themselves
through art in a non-judgemental, non-competitive environment
where creativity is nourished and expression is valued.
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The classroom enviropnment is the
key to a successful, positive experience in art. At the ArtSpace,
we create a comfortable non-competitive atmosphere where students
can experience the joy of artistic expression without fear of comparison
or criticism. The classes provide enough structure to be successful
while giving the student freedom to express their own creativity
and style.
Along with increased creativity comes a shift in perception.
The student soon realizes some key points about art and its creation.
These include:
* Drawing is a teachable skill that
anyone can learn.
* You don't have to wait to grow up to become an artist - you simply
have to create art.
* It's OK if you don't like all of your art work; most artists don't
like every piece they create, but they do learn from each piece.
* There are no mistakes - just opportunities to learn more about
your personal expression.
* There isn't a better or best; each piece is simply... different.
You wouldn't laugh at Van Gogh because his work is different from
DaVinci's would you?
* It is OK to be inspired by another artist and to use their technique
and style to learn about your own. It is also perfectly acceptable
to use artwork and photographs for resources; there isn't an artist
in the world who can draw every plant, animal, or person from memory.
Each lesson plan is based on a particular
theme. The curriculum is balanced and age appropriate, encompassing
the plant and animal kingdoms, the human figure, and still life
subjects. The student not only draws the subject, but learns about
it.
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| Based on Mona Brookes' books Drawing with Children
and Drawing for Older Children, Teens and Adult Beginners. |
  
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