IMPRESSIONIST CHERRY TREES

 Impressionist Cherry Trees

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Impressionist Cherry Trees using painting techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, monochromatic, warm colors), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by British Artist (1965-Present) Damien Hirst
• Use printmaking techniques (stamps, stencils, cut outs) and design principles (repetition, emphasis, movement) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Stamping (the process of imprinting a design from a design surface onto fabric or paper)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Virtues 'Loyalty', Limited Edition 'Cherry Blossom' Landscape (2021) Damien Hirst

2. Read When Spring Comes by Kevin Harkes

3. Discussion Questions "What is Damien Hirst's art style? What techniques does Damien Hirst use? How many of these cherry tree paintings has he created? When people look at his work, how would the artist like to change the way people look at his work? How old is the artist, Damien Hirst? What type of artwork is Damien Hirst known for? What year was Damien Hirst nominated for the Turner Prize? Where is the artist from and how does that affect his work? Who are the artist's biggest artistic influences? Where does the artist find inspiration? Why is his artwork important to society?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Traditional Rice Paper

2. Choose Plum Blossom, Orchid, Bamboo, or Chrysanthemum to represent one of the four seasons for the cherry tree paintings 

3. Use a pencil to draw a plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, or chrysanthemum onto traditional rice paper for the Impressionist Cherry Trees

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Impressionist Cherry Trees for Assigned Tables

2. The Virtues 'Politeness' Limited Edition 'Cherry Blossoms' Landscape (2021) Damien Hirst

3. Discussion Questions "The Four Gentlemen, also called the Four Noble Ones, in Chinese Art refers to the four plants (plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum). These four plants represent the four seasons as well as having their own symbolic meaning. The plum blossom represents endurance, orchid represents virtue/beauty, bamboo physical/mental strength, and chrysanthemum celebrating the loner. What historical facts do we know about China and Japan? What significant events occurred in the artists history during our lifetime? Did any significant events influence his artistic development?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm/cool colors (red, orange, yellow; green, blue, purple) to fill in the positive space (blossoms) of the cherry tree paintings

2. Use diluted ink to make different lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the positive space (branches) of the cherry tree paintings

3. Add details (bamboo, leaves, flowers, grass, branches) for the positive space (blossoms) of the Impressionist Cherry Trees

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Impressionist Cherry Trees for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (ink, quills, paint brushes)

Lesson Activities

1. Use calligraphy (decorative, handwriting, lettering) for negative space (background) of the cherry tree paintings 

2. Use erasers to carve rubber stamps/seals for the personal artistic signature (decorative, handwriting, letter) for the negative space (background) of the cherry tree paintings 

3. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey) to add highlights (reflective light, light source) and shadows (cast shadow, shadow) for the negative space (background) of the Impressionist Cherry Trees

Artist Examples

Student Examples