NORVAL MORRISSEAU ABSTRACT ART

 Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art using printmaking techniques learned in class
• Use warm/cool colors (red orange yellow; green blue purple), geometric shapes (triangle, square, circle) and line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) inspired by Canadian Artist (1932-2007) Norval Morrisseau
• Use historical connections (traditions, legends, folklore) and design principles (repetition, contrast, composition) based on Woodlands Style
• Define Symbol (a picture or image that tells a story without using words)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. We Must Be Child-like, Simplicity of Spirit (2007) Norval Morrisseau

2. Read Norval Morrisseau: Man Changing Into Thunderbird by Armand Garnet Ruffo

3. Discussion Questions "What techniques did Norval Morrisseau use? What was the main style of Norval Morrisseau? What do Norval Morrisseau's paintings represent? How was Ojibwa artist Norval Morrisseau's work revolutionary? What seven elements did Norval Morrisseau use? What can we learn from looking at Norval Morrisseau's We Must Be Child-like, Simplicity in Spirit? Where do your eyes go first? What visual elements in the artwork prompt the questions asked? What graphic decisions did Morrisseau make that support these answers? Assuming they are penguins, what are they doing? Where are they and where are they going?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three symbols (animals, objects, organic shapes) for positive space (foreground) of the abstract work

3. Draw three symbols (animals, objects, organic shapes) for the negative space (background) of the Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art

Day Two, Art Start 

1. Retrieve Norval Morriseau Abstract Art for Assigned Table

2. Shaman Dreams (1978) Norval Morrisseau

3. Discussion Questions "What type of symbols can you think of? What is the first thing you notice about Morrisseau's artwork? Do you think Morrisseau was trying to paint realistic things? What kinds of shapes and colors did the artist use? Would the artwork look the same without the black lines? What do you think symbols on the paintings represent? Do you see any designs inside the figures?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use painting techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping) to add basic shapes (geometric organic) to positive space (foreground) of the abstract work

2. Use painting techniques (layering overlapping cropping) to add basic shapes (geometric organic) to the negative space (background) of the abstract work 

3. Use painting techniques (layering overlapping cropping) to add details (patter repetition form) to the Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, markers) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm/cool colors (red yellow orange; green blue purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the abstract work

2. Use warm/cool colors (red orange yellow; green blue purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the abstract work 

3. Add design details (geometric shapes, borders, patterns) to the positive space (foreground) and negative space (background) of the Norval Morrisseau Abstract Art 

Artist Examples

Student Examples