Lesson Example: Two-dimensional Art

Art of the Wild Beasts

This brief overview of one of my art lessons was created with the goals of teaching art history through two-dimensional media and techniques! Enjoy! 

(Please note, my real lesson plans are more detailed including daily outlines, standards met and learning objectives. What you see below is only an outline!)

Hook

The teacher will pass around printed images of artworks created by a group of artists known as the "Fauvists." The teacher will ask the students, at their tables, to explain what the works are about. The teacher will ask for the small groups to share with the whole group. During the class discussion there will be different interpretations of the images and some images will not be recognizable.

The teacher will ask students, "have you ever created a piece of art that no one understood?" The students will respond to this question as the teacher faciliates the discussion. The teacher will then tell the students that the images they just looked at are part of an art movement called Fauvism; a type of art that was hard for people (at the time) to understand.

Concept Development

The teacher will show the students three different pieces of art with a similar subject matter; an Impressionist work, a Fauvist work, a Realist work. The teacher will tell the students that one of these paintings was created by artists nicknamed “the wild beasts. “ The teacher will ask the class to "vote" for painting A, B or C.

At their tables, students will create a mind-map of the concept "Identity." This concept will be used as  students create art with meaning.

The teacher will facilitate as students draw connections between an artist's work and their identity.

Teacher Demonstration and Student Production

The teacher will demonstrate for students how to sketch a self-portrait on paper to render correct proportions. Using reference material as visuals for proportions of the face and mirrors, students will work from their own reflection to create an accurate self-portrait drawing.

Using the color wheel as a guide and principles of color theory (triadic, complementary and split-complentary) students will select a limited color palette for creating their self-portraits. The colors they select should be based on a personal connection to the colors--not realistic color choices.

The teacher will demonstrate for students methods for applying oil pastel that mimic the style of the Fauvists. Using scumbling and hatching mark-making methods, students will apply color media to their self-portraits.

Students will complete a self-reflection and rubric for the project. 

Closure

Teacher will have the students place their artworks out on the tables. Students will walk around the room and look at each others artwork. The teacher will facilitate a class critique using guiding questions:

How does the artwork in front of you show Fauvism?

How does the artwork in front of you make you feel?

What is successful about the artwork in front of you?
What could make the artwork stronger?

Exit Ticket:
How will you use what you learned in this project in the future?