FRIDA KAHLO STILL LIFE

 Frida Kahlo Still Life

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Frida Kahlo Still Life using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Mexican Painter (1907-1954) Frida Kahlo
• Use observational drawing techniques (perspective, proportion, grid measurement) and design principles (composition, alignment, movement) based on Symbolism
• Define Still Life (a work of art that shows inanimate objects from the natural or man-made world)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Still Life With Parrot (1951) Frida Kahlo

2. Read Understanding Frida in Context Through Her Still Life: Pitahayas by MMOCA

3. Discussion Questions "How does still life represent the artist's unique identity? What elements in each piece show realism, surrealism, and symbolism? What is unique about Frida Kahlo? What does she tell us about herself in this artwork? What gives hints about her experiences and Mexican Identity in these paintings? What stories do the background of her image tell? What is unique about you that you would like to capture in a still life? Would you consider Still Life: Pitahayas a self portrait? Why or why not? What do objects depicted in this painting tell you about Kahlo's life? What fruits are native to Michigan or the Midwestern United States? What do the volcanic rock and cactus depicted in the painting tell you about the geology and climate of central Mexico? How do they compare to the landforms and vegetation of Michigan? Why do you think Kahlo included a skeleton in this painting? What would you include in your still life that reflects who you are, where you are, and something about your life?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Add three dimensional shapes (cylinder, pyramid, cone) to the composition of arranged fruit (watermelon, strawberries, oranges) for the personal identity still life

3. Add horizon line in the background (table, fabric, wallpaper) to separate the subject matter from the wallpaper of the Frida Kahlo Still Life 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Frida Kahlo Still Life for Assigned Tables

2. Viva La Vida, Watermelons (1954) Frida Kahlo

3. Discussion Questions "What was Frida Kahlo's full birth name? Why did Frida Kahlo change hr date or birth on her birth certificate? Why was Kahlo pretending to be three years younger? Why was Frida Kahlo's nationality? Who or what is depicted in most of Frida's paintings? In what year did she joint Mexican Communist Party and fall in love with Diego Rivera? What was the first solo exhibition of Frida Kahlo's work held? When did Frida Kahlo begin her career as an artist? What was Frida and Diego's marriage often called? Who was Frida Kahlo? What are some of Frida Kahlo's most famous paintings? Do you have a favorite artist? What will you include in your artwork that represents what matters to you?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to fill in the positive space (fruit, inanimate objects, flag) of the personal identity still life

2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the personal identity still life

3. Use painting tools (brayer, palette, paint brush) to add patterns (floral, swirls, dots) to the negative space (background) of the Frida Kahlo Still Life 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Frida Kahlo Still Life for Assigned Tables

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

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to subject matter (watermelon, oranges, strawberries) of the personal identity still life

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

3. Outline details (pattern, floral, inanimate objects, fruits, vegetables) in the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Frida Kahlo Still Life 

Artist Examples

Student Examples