Vermeer Instrument Compositions
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Vermeer Instrument Compositions using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use neutral colors (black, white, grey, brown), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by Dutch Painter (1632-1975) Johannes Vermeer
- Use printmaking techniques (woodcut, etching, engraving, lithography) and design principles (emphasis, repetition, rhythm) based on Dutch Golden Age
- Define Camera Obscura (a darkened box with a convex lens for protecting the image of an object onto a screen inside)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. The Guitar Player (1670-1673) Johannes Vermeer
2. Read Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering The Lost Techniques Of The Old Masters by David Hockney
3. Discussion Questions "What type of mood does this scene create for you? What features do you see in the foreground of this painting? Can you find small dots of paint on the brick walls, trees, and boats? Why did the artist paint these white dots in the scene? How would you describe the texture of the musical instrument? How would you draw this texture using only lines? Which feature in the room reflects light the most brightly? Where can we see shadows in the room? What do you notice about the dresses? Can you find any other similarities in these three paintings? Can you find any differences in these paintings? Which direction is the light shining in this painting? How did the artist create the illusion of light reflecting on the pearl? What type of feeling does each color create for the viewer? Can you find objects in the picture that are typical props in Vermeer's paintings? What makes this painting different from the other interior scenes of this artist? How does the artist show distance?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Printmaking Paper
2. Use pencil to draw simple shapes (circle, triangle, rectangle) and complex shapes (ellipse, parallelogram, hexagon) of the instruments for the instrument prints
3. Use wooden stylus to outline line variation (thick, thin, contour) of the positive space (instrument) of the Vermeer Instrument Compositions
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Vermeer Instrument Compositions for Assigned Tables
2. The Concert (1664) Johannes Vermeer
3. Discussion Questions "What was the first artwork the artist ever made? Do you think it is important to be a trained artist? What type of printmaking techniques do you think the artist preferred? What project did the artist work on? What do you think drove the artist to make prints? Who was an important mentor in this artists life? What materials did the artist favor? Why was the artist drawn to this subject matter? What does this artwork represent? What connection do artists have to their artwork? What materials did the artist favor? What do you think art means to this artist? Does this artwork represent something to the artist? What is inspirational about this artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use engraving tools to outline line variation (thick thin contour outline) of the positive space (instrument) for the instrument prints
2. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) for the negative space (background) for the instrument prints
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Vermeer Instrument Compositions
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Vermeer Instrument Compositions for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (brayer, printmaking plates, gel plates, speedball ink)
Lesson Activities
1. Use printmaking paper to print one monoprint of every neutral color (black, brown, grey, white) of the instrument prints
2. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground) of the Vermeer Instrument Compositions
3. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Vermeer Instrument Compositions
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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