The stages of artistic development have been studied and named by many individuals; Viktor Lowenfeld, Marianne Kerlavage, and Judy Burton serving as leaders in the field. Although there are many factors that influence the rate at which a child develops, these stages attempt to place a developmental standard that most individuals tend to achieve. Because there are no national guidelines for art education, the specifics of what is observed may vary depending on location. Additionally, artwork does not always fall exactly under a specific stage and may be placed under a transitional category.
The stages and their alternative titles are as follows:
2-4 years: Scribbling (Lowenfeld), Pre-Representational (Burton), and Mark-making (Kerlavage)
7-9 years: Schematic (Lowenfeld), Visual Events (Burton), and Symbol Making (Kerlavage)
9-11 years: Dawning realism (Lowenfeld), Representing Expertise (Burton), and Emerging Expertise (Kerlavage)
11-13 years: The Age of Reason (Lowenfeld), Ideas in Search of Forms (Burton), and Artistic Challenges (Kerlavage).
14-17 years: The Period of Decision (Lowenfeld), More Ideas in Search of Forms (Burton), and Artistic Thinking (Kerlavage)
17 years & up: Adult
The stage names put forth by Viktor Lowenfeld will be used exclusively within the in-depth descriptions. This is not to say that the stages will be named in this way in further resources and learning. If you are interested in continuing your education on these subjects, consider familiarization with the various titles.
The stages and their alternative titles are as follows:
2-4 years: Scribbling (Lowenfeld), Pre-Representational (Burton), and Mark-making (Kerlavage)
- Kinesthetic activity
- Includes: mandalas, slash marks, bang dots, and open shapes.
- Transition: closed shapes
- Early understanding of symbols
- Includes: Nature, filling the paper, floating shapes
- Transition: tadpole people
7-9 years: Schematic (Lowenfeld), Visual Events (Burton), and Symbol Making (Kerlavage)
- Art for communication
- Includes: facial features, improved representation of figure
- Transition: baseline (actual or implied)
9-11 years: Dawning realism (Lowenfeld), Representing Expertise (Burton), and Emerging Expertise (Kerlavage)
- Art as a creative outlet
- Includes: details, clothing to identify, receding space, world-making
- Transition: considered use of design principles
11-13 years: The Age of Reason (Lowenfeld), Ideas in Search of Forms (Burton), and Artistic Challenges (Kerlavage).
- Ideas in search of form
- Includes: proportions, three-dimensional space, realistic colors
- Transition: understanding of materials
14-17 years: The Period of Decision (Lowenfeld), More Ideas in Search of Forms (Burton), and Artistic Thinking (Kerlavage)
- Art motivated by meaning
- Includes: inspiration by emotions, social issues, and improving skill
- Transition: personal voice
17 years & up: Adult
- Mature artist
- Includes: focus on individual goals, furthering personal voice
- Transition: continuous improvement upon prior knowledge
The stage names put forth by Viktor Lowenfeld will be used exclusively within the in-depth descriptions. This is not to say that the stages will be named in this way in further resources and learning. If you are interested in continuing your education on these subjects, consider familiarization with the various titles.