Tropical Landscapes

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Tropical Landscape using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by French Post-Impressionist (1848-1903) Paul Gauguin
• Use painting techniques (double loaded brush, absorption, palette) and design principles (balance, composition, gradation) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Horizon Line (point where the earth meets the sky)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Tahitian Landscape Two (1848) Paul Gauguin

2. Read The Color of the Night Paul Gauguin by Helene Kerillis

3. Discussion Questions "Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? What was Paul Gauguin's full name? When was Paul Gauguin born? Where was Paul Gauguinborn? Where did Paul Gauguin paint Tropical Vegetation? What types of symbols did Paul Gauguin use in his work? Why did the artist overall simplify subject matter? What were some of his greatest artistic finluenes that came from art and aesthetics? What happened after finishing the painting "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where are we going?" What is the title of this painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape painting

2. Add details (building, people, plants) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape painting

3. Use colored sharpies to outline the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Tropical Landscapes

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Tropical Landscapes for Assigned Table

2. Mountains In Tahiti (1848) Paul Gauguin 

3. Discussion Questions "What can you see? What do you think the meaning behind this image is? How does this image make you feel? What do you like about the image? What are some art elements and principles you can see? How does the artist use brushes or tools to show all the visual elements in his paintings? How will you compose your section? How will your section fit into the big picture? How is this painting inspiring your own work?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (swirls, stars, stripes) into the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

2. Use complimentary colors (green red, blue orange, yellow purple) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

3. Use complimentary colors (green red, blue orange, yellow purple) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Tropical Landscapes

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Tropical Landscapes for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (washable markers, black sharpies, felt pens)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (sunlight, reflection) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

3. Add details (animals, people, buildings) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Tropical Landscapes

Artist Examples

Student Examples