8th Grade Art                     


Unit: Impressionism/Post Impressionism

Art History: Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh

Project: Painting/technology “And you were there!” 

OBJECTIVES: Students will:

·        Learn about Impressionism through the works of Claude Monet via Internet

·        Gain an understanding of the Impressionistic movement in art

·        Create an Impressionistic/post-Impressionistic painting (inspired by style of Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh)

·        Students will do a self-portrait (through the aid of technology) in front of their landscape

·        Students will compare the work of Claude Monet to that of Vincent Van Gogh – will critique their own work

CORRELATION(S):

Life lessons - how art can effect emotions –Mental health (Discuss Van gogh’s illness)

History - the French Impressionism movement in history – impact of photography (now artists were trying to do something new)

Resources:

Video “In A Brilliant Light- Van Gogh in Arles”
Internet: Artists - Art Styles  Impressionists Lesson
Assorted prints – Van Gogh and Monet –large Shorewood and teacher owned.

Materials:

12”x18” newsprint, Seral graphite transfer paper, 12”x18” corrugated cardboard, gesso, acrylic paints, brushes, water dishes, digital camera, printer

Introduction:

1.      Display several paintings (prints) by Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh

2.      Explain the Impressionism movement in art and its importance (artists who were influenced by it)

3.      Ask students to look at scenes around them, studying how light and shadow are related; to think about a scene that they would like to recreate in paint

4.      Discuss with the students what thoughts the paintings bring to mind, what emotions they evoke. Start by modeling with your thoughts of these works of art. Explain to the students how different paintings can stir different thoughts and emotion.

5.      Video: “Vincent Van Gogh in the Arles: In a Brilliant Light” (day 2)

Procedures:

1.      Beginning of art making session –Pass out small art reproductions of Impressionistic and post-Impressionistic landscapes. Students select one for 12x18 composition.  Draw on 12”x18” newsprint

2.      Take digital photographs of students--calling up one at a time –include hand in photo (maybe holding a paint brush? sunglasses?)

3.      Gesso corrugated cardboard (students will work on skills lesson while waiting for gesso to dry—skills lesson began second day of class)

4.      Transfer landscape drawing to “canvas board” – transfer digital portrait – Use Seral transfer paper.

5.      Begin painting in large area of color—use color picture of painting as a guide—Try to imitate brush strokes of impressionists/post-Impressionists

6.      continue with painting—try to use color to show mood –time of day etc.

ENDING THE CLASS PERIOD:

Ask students what they think about Impressionism, how do the paintings make them feel, do they like this style of artwork (remember there are no wrong answers here) Ask questions about what was learned.

EVALUATION:

Observation and questions

Students will be assessed on composition—color plan—painting skills—highlights and shadows on portrait—Essay on Impressionism – comparison of work of Monet and Van Gogh.  

[ART LESSONS] [ART RESOURCES HOME]