CLAY VAN GOGH SUNFLOWERS

 Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Clay Van Gogh Sunflower using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (implied, actual, visual) inspired by Post Impressionist (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, modeling, assembling, casting) and design principles (gradation, composition, movement) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Relief (sculpted pieces are bonded to a solid background of the same material)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Still Life Vase With Fifteen Sunflowers (1888) Vincent Van Gogh 

2. Read Camille And The Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt

3. Discussion Questions "Why do the sunflowers look the way they do? How do sunflowers grow? When do sunflowers grow? What do you enjoy most about this painting? What do you like the least about this painting? How would you do things differently? What other subjects could be painted in the expressionistic style? How do these sunflowers look the same? What do each of the sunflowers look like? What colors do you notice are in these sunflower paintings? What are the parts of the sunflowers? How can artists add texture to sunflowers? How can artists use addictive and subtractive methods of clay work? How did Vincent Van Gogh use texture in his paintings?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Use slab method to form the basic shapes (circle, oval, rectangle) of the positive space (flower0 of the clay flowers

2. Use coil method to form the details (leaves, petals, center) of the positive space (flower) of the clay flowers

3. Use modeling tools (wooden chips, shells, pencils, clay stamps) to add an imprint to the outside of the Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers for Assigned Table 

2. Still Life With Two Sunflowers (1887) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "If you could ask Vincent Van Gogh one question, what would it have been? What is Vincent Van Gogh famous for? How does understanding the artist change our understanding of his paintings? What made Vincent Van Gogh unique? What can we learn from Vincent Van Gogh? How did Vincent Van Gogh paint? Why did Vincent Van Gogh begin painting? Why is Vincent Van Gogh important to art history? Why is Vincent Van Gogh considered one of the best painters the world has ever seen? What are the stylistic differences between Van Gogh's work? Which year was best for Van Gogh, in terms of his art? How long did it take Vincent Van Gogh to complete a painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add details (flowers, petals, leaves) to the positive space (flower) of the clay flowers 

2. Add imprints (swirls, stripes, shapes) to the negative space (background) of the clay flowers

3. Add embellishments (glitters, sequins, small beads, yarn) to the positive space (flower) and negative space (background) of the Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers for Assigned Table 

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

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (flower) of the clay flowers

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the clay flowers 

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the positive space (plant proportions, features, accessories) of the Clay Van Gogh Sunflowers

Artist Examples

Student Examples