Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Alexander Calder Primary Painting using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Artist (1898-1976) Alexander Calder
- Use primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and design principles (composition, balance, movement) based on Modern Art
- Define Abstract Art (form of art does not represent objects or scenes from the real world in a recognizable way)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Black Dots (1974) Alexander Calder
2. Read One And Other Numbers With Alexander Calder by Phaidon
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Alexander Calder was an American artist known for his pioneering work in kinetic sculpture and mobiles? Did you know he worked as an engineer before studying art and creating signature abstract sculptures? How is this artwork different from the images you have seen of traditional paintings? Does this artwork still look like it might move or would want to move? How would this artwork look if it could move? If you could travel back in time to visit with the artist in the studio, what do you think you would see? If you could travel back in time to visit with the artist, what do you think he would say? Is the subject recognizable, abstract, or realistic? Was Alexander Calder's simple composition in his artwork considered a good representation of abstract art?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Add geometric shapes (triangles, circles, square, rectangles) to the composition of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) in the negative space (background) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Primary Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Jungle (1971) Alexander Calder
3. Discussion Questions "What is the difference between aesthetic theories? Can artwork be explained by more than one aesthetic theory? How does an artist's intent influence the interpretation of the artwork? Why is it important to understand the time period of an artist when looking at their artwork? How can personal artwork be inspired by ideas explored by past artists? Why is problem solving an integral part of the art making process? How can students use general knowledge and art knowledge to further develop personal art making? What is abstract art? What do you think abstract means? Can you recognize anything in this painting? What emotion is being conveyed in this painting? Which artwork is abstract? Which work is abstract? What does this artwork remind you of? What do you think this artwork is made of? Does this work follow any mathematical principles?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the positive space (foreground, geometric shapes) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
2. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the negative space (background, geometric shapes) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
3. Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to fill in the positive space (foreground, geometric shapes) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Primary Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, watercolor)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the subject matter (geometric shapes, foreground) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, geometric shapes) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
3. Outline details (geometric shapes, line thickness) in the positive space (foreground, geometric shapes) of the Alexander Calder Primary Paintings
Artist Examples 
Student Examples
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