CRAB PRINTS

 Crab Prints

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Crab Print using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Post-Impressionist Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use painting techniques (double loaded brush, absorption, palette) and design principles (balance, composition, gradation) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Still Life (placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Two Crabs (1889) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Read Crab Cake: Turning The Tide Together by Andrea Tsurumi

3. Discussion Questions "Why is Van Gogh considered a great artist? Why is Vancent Van Gogh's starry Night considered beautiful? WasVincent Van Gogh in complete control of his painting? Which piece of Vincent Van Gogh's artwork speaks out more to you? Which artworks did Vincent van Gogh sell in his lifetime? In what city did Van Gogh attend the Academy of Fine Art? Which artist is Van Gogh associated with? Which of these paintings shows the swirl technique Van Gogh used? What is this painting called?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" by 15" Drawing Paper

2. Add three dimensional shapes (cylinder, pyramid, sphere) to the composition of arranged objects (fruits, dishes, fabric) of the still life works

3. Add horizon line to to the background (table, fruit, dishes) to separate the subject matter (crab) from the wallpaper of the Crab Prints

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Crab Prints for Assigned Table

2. A Crab On Its Back (1887) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "How have you used formal elements such as line, tone, color, and shape? What materials did you use and why? Did they work successfully? What meaning, theme, or message did you want to convey? Were you successful? Are you happy with your final piece? Are any elements or qualities you like in particular? Does your final work the way you thought it would initially? How effective is it? Is there anything you would change?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use earth tones (yellow brown green) to fill in the positive space (crab) of the still life works

2. Use earth tones (yellow brown green) to fill in the negative space (background) of the still life works

3. Use painting tools (brayer, palette knife, paint brush) to add patterns (floral, silk, wood) to the Crab Prints

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Crab Prints for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, water bucket, paint brushes)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the subject matter (fruit bowl, glassware, crab) of the still life works

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the still life works

3. Outline details (pattern, floral, objects) of the negative space (background) and middle ground (fabric, table) of the Crab Prints

Artist Examples

Student Examples