The 8 Studio Habits of Mind

Over a decade ago, researchers Lois Hetland, Ellen Winner, Shirley Veenema and Kimberly M. Sheridan with Harvard’s “Project Zero” (an organization focused on studying and improving arts education) identified The Studio Habits of Mind. The research breaks down artistic practice into eight studio habits. By introducing the habits into the art room, students become more mindful about their practice.

I will be introducing these habits throughout the year.

1. Develop Craft

Improving your art skills through practice. Learning more about your art idea. Seeing connections between your art and the work of others. Learning to organize and care for your art materials, tools, and art making space.

*I can practice new art skills and techniques

*I can improve my existing skills and techniques

*I can experiment with new art materials

2. Engage and Persist

Focus on your work and stick with it, even when it gets hard.

*I can create art from sketch to final piece

*I can turn mistakes into new beginnings

*I can focus my attention on my artwork

*I can use my time in art productively

3. Envision

Picture ideas in your head plan the next steps in your mind as you work. Ask yourself: what will my art be about? What materials will I use? How big will it be? How long will it take?

*I can plan the next steps of my project

*I can generate ideas through sketches

*I can design and imagine what I hope to make.

4. Express

Learning to create works that convey an idea, feeling, or personal meaning. Your expression changes with your choice of: Ideas, Media, and Techniques.

*I can create art that tells a story

*I can create art that shows a mood

*I can explain why I made my art.

5. Observe

Taking time to notice details in your environment through sight, touch, taste, sound and smell.

*I can observe objects closely and draw what I see.

*I can identify shapes in objects and draw them

*I can draw from imagination. I can do this because I observe objects closely for details

*I can learn from other artist by looking closely at their art.

*I can look closely at the world around me.

6. Reflect

Looking back on the work you have done (may include talking and writing).

Ask yourself: What’s working and why? What’s not working? Why not? What can I add? What can I change? How can I challenge myself further?

*I can learn to talk about my art

*I can think about new things I discovered…

*I can look back and make changes and additions to my work

7. Stretch and Explore

Trying things that might be difficult and discovering new ideas and ways of working.

*I can use mistakes as an opportunity to learn.

*I can experiment with new materials and ideas.

*I can try new things.

8. Understand Art World

Learning about art history, see how contemporary artists make art, understand the roles of artists, galleries and museums.

*I can learn from other artists by looking closely at their art.

*I can interact as an artist with other artists.

*I can observe art from other cultures.

*I can create art inspired by other culture’s art.