DEGAS DANCER COLLAGES

 Degas Dancer Collages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Degas Dancer Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by French Artist (1834-1917) Edgar Degas
• Use collage techniques (paper, digital, mixed media, photomontage) and design principles (proportion, movement, balance) based on Impressionism
• Define Theme (the message the artist wishes to convey through the artwork)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Ballet Class (1871-1874) Edgar Degas

2. Read Degas Painter Of Ballerinas: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art by Susan Goldman Rubin

3. Discussion Questions "Do you think dancers relate to these paintings more than other people might? How does Edgar Degas's painting compare to the rehearsal experience? How did the ballerinas in Edgar Degas's dancers look differently than the dancers today? How does the dancers' costumes compare to the costumes worn today? Do you have a favorite work from the exhibition? What other reason did the artist have for painting ballerinas? What does the ballerina symbolize in Edgar Degas paintings? What is Edgar Degas style in art? What type of painting is the ballet class by Edgar Degas? Why did Edgar Degas start to paint ballerinas? Why is the dance class an important painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Add three dimensional shapes (organic, free form, geometric) to the composition of the positive space (ballerina) for the ballerina collages

3. Add a horizon line in the negative space (background) to separate the positive space (ballerina) from the negative space (stage) in the Degas Dancer Collages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Degas Dancer Collages for Assigned Tables 

2. Ballet Rehearsal (1873) Edgar Degas

3. Discussion Questions "What do you see in this painting? What do you think of this artwork? How do you think the public received it? Why do you think Degas used that medium? How are images and objects used to convey a story, familiar experience, or connection to the world? How does the length, color, o shape of the ballerina make a difference in conveying the meaning of this artwork? Is this painting of four dancers or one dancer in four positions?  What does each part of the body look like in motion? Why do you think the dancers choose the materials he did? After experimenting with our materials, how do you think the dancers clothing from the painting will move when dancing? What other things did Edgar Degas paint? How would you describe the composition? How would you describe the clothing?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogues, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the ballerina collages

2. Use color combinations (analogue, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the ballerina collages

3. Use shape stamps to add patterns (floral, silk, wood) and texture plates (wood, leather, metal) to the Degas Dancer Collages

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Degas Dancer Collages for Assigned Tables

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

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the subject matter (ballerina) of the ballerina collages

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow) to the negative space (background) of the ballerina collages

3. Outline details (patterns, objects, images) in the positive space (ballerina) of the Degas Dancer Collages

Artist Examples

Student Examples