MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Sunflower Sunsets

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Sunflower Sunsets using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (warm colors, earth tones, analogous colors), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and shape variation (geometric organic, free form) inspired by Post Impressionist Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Understand painting techniques (overlapping, cropping, layering) and design principles (composition, movement, repetition) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Brushstrokes (the mark, trace, or configuration left on a surface by a single application of a paintbrush) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Sunflowers (1889) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Read Camille and the Sunflowers: A Story About Vincent Van Gogh by Laurence Anholt

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Vincent Van Gogh created seven distinct versions of sunflowers within his series of sunflower paintings? Did you know Van Gogh saw sunflowers as a metaphor for the cycle of life? Did you know his bold use of yellow became a hallmark of his style? Did you know sunflowers are the national flower and an important symbol in Ukraine? Did you know Van Gogh saw sunflowers as a symbol of gratitude and decorated his friend Paul Gaughin's guest room with them? What do you notice about the way the paint has been applied to the painting? How does scientific information inform art? Did you know his sunflower paintings are dispalyed in museums all around the world from Tokyo to Amsterdam? Did you know one of his sunflowers painting was lost during World War II? How do artists use perspective, along with different shapes and colors, to add dimension to paintings? What kinds of lines did Van Gogh use to paint those sunflowers? What do you think Van Gogh used concentric circles to paint them? How can you infuse your own thoughts, emotions, and memories into your paintings?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Divide the painting paper into three parts (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Sunflower Sunsets 

2. Use observational drawing techniques (contour, gesture, outline) to add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to Sunflower Sunsets 

3. Add directional lines (diagonal, vertical, horizontal) to remember the highlights (light source, reflective light, cast light) of the Sunflower Sunsets     

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sunflower Sunsets for Assigned Tables 

2. Still Life Vase With Fourteen Sunflowers (1889) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Question "Who was Vincent Van Gogh? Did you know who he really was? Would you like a painting of sunflowers in your room? Why did Vincent Van Gogh become so famous? What did Vincent Van Gogh like to paint? How can we paint the sky like Vincent Van Gogh? Where do you think Van Gogh was when he painted this picture? What colors did Van Gogh use in this painting? What kind of place do you think this was? How can we create the same feeling of movement in the sky to tell our own story? Where did Van Gogh get his inspiration? Do you think Van Gogh was inspired by the harvest work? What is happening in this picture?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm colors (red yellow orange) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets

2. Use warm colors (red yellow orange) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sunflower Sunsets

3. Use different mark making techniques (dashes, scratches, loose lines) to add designs to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sunflower Sunsets for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, oil pastels, erasers)

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets

2. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, cast light) and shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, shadow) to the Sunflower Sunsets

3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, waves) to the negative space (background) of the Sunflower Sunsets

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Van Gogh Chair Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Van Gogh Chair Painting using painting techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (complementary, analogous, monochromatic), line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and value (lightness, darkness, tints, shadows) inspired by Post Impressionist Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use drawing techniques (observational, perspective, blocking shapes) and design principles (proportion, composition, variation) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Impasto (a technique where paid is laid on a canvas so thickly that it stands out in three dimensions, leaving brush or palette knife strokes clearly visible)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Van Gogh's Chair (1888) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain by Betty Edwards

3. Discussion Questions "What was Van Gogh's relationship with fellow artist Gauguin like? How did Van Gogh represent his thoughts about himself and his friends in his chair paintings? How does Van Gogh use everyday objects as a form of a self-portraiture? How do artists tell stories about life and personality? When looking at the arms, legs, seats, and backs of the chair, what do you think this chair is made of? Can you identify the materials used to make this chair? Did you know Vincent Van Gogh lived in various places such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, and France? How does this unusual scene show Vincent Van Gogh's personality, love of nature, and home comfort? How is this painting a statement of friendship between two artists? How do the vertical lines and diagonal lines show movement in this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the basic shapes (oval, circle, triangle) for the positive space (chair, foreground) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

2. Use oil pastels to add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

3. Use oil pastels to add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Van Gogh Chair for Assigned Tables

2. Gauguin's Chair (1888) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "What is negative space? How might focusing on it be used as a strategy for observational drawing? Is the space in this painting positive or negative? What is a negative space drawing? How is drawing negative space related to drawing contour lines? Is the background of the picture positive or negative? What is the main object of this positive and negative space artwork? Does anyone want to share where the positive and negative space is in this image? Where is the positive space in both paintings? Where is the negative space in both paintings? What does it captivate, in terms of emotions, to the audience of negative space? What are three basic elements of composition needed in drawing? What is the different between negative and positive space? Which do you think is more important negative space or positive space?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, layering, overlapping) to add contrast to the composition of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Van Gogh Chair Paintings for Assigned Tables 

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

Lesson Activities 

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

2. Add shadow (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

3. Add overlapping shapes (circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings

 Artist Examples

Student Examples

Winter Lanterns

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Winter Lanterns using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic free form), color combinations (neutral colors, cool colors, monochromatic colors), and value (lightness, darkness, shadows, highlights) inspired by Post Impressionist (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use core drawing techniques (scale, simple forms, spatial relationships, line stylization) and design principles (proportion, gradation contrast) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in a drawing or painting) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Terrance and Observation Deck at the Moulin de Blute-Fin, Montmartre (1887) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Read The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer

3. Discussion Questions "How does art help us understand the lives of people of different times, places, and cultures? How is light used as an artistic medium in museums and public spaces? How do these illustrations transform a space and tell a story? What words would you use to describe the winter season? What kind of winter scene would you like to create for the lantern? Where will this lantern's light illuminate? Will the lantern illuminate inside of cozy room or within the dark of the night sky? Where does the light from the lantern travel? Does it go to the moon or through a neighbor's window? Why do streetlights exist? What is the purpose of a streetlight in our neighborhood? Why do people all over the world celebrate light during the longest night of the year? How is lighting a winter solstice lamp like sending a message of hope?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (thick, thin) to fill in the foreground (positive space, streetlamp), middle ground (berries, snowflakes, branches), and background (night sky) of the Winter Lanterns 

2. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to fill in the positive space (street lamps, foreground) of the Winter Lanterns

3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) for the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns  

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables 

2. View Of Royal Road, Ramsgate (1876) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "Can you think of other holidays or traditions that use light to celebrate during the winter? As you look at your lamp, what are some wishes you have for the new year? What is something that brought your joy this year that you want to carry with you? Why do we need darkness, and what good things happen in the dark? What does the light from a lamp, candle, or bonfire symbolize? What colors did you choose for your lamp, and what do they make you think? How does the light of the lamp make you feel? What kind of pictures or shapes do you see when the light shines through the holes in the lamp? Have you ever noticed when the streetlights turn on? Do you think streetlights with special designs are made to be beautiful or give light to neighbors?"

 Lesson Activities

1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

2. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns

3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets, wash cloth) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadows, shadows) within the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns 

3. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Van Gogh Leaf Prints

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Van Gogh Leaf Prints using painting techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and texture (visual, actual, implied) inspired by Dutch Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use printmaking techniques (woodcut, etching, engraving, lithography) and design principles (repetition, variation, movement) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Stencil (a printing process by which areas are blocked out to keep ink from non-image areas)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Autumn Landscape (1885) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Read Vincent And The Colors Of The Wind by Chiara Lossani

3. Discussion Questions "How does nature inspire artwork? Why did Van Gogh become an artist? How many paintings did Vincent Van Gogh sell during his lifetime? Was Vincent Van Gogh left-handed or right-handed? What type of paint did Vincent Van Gogh use? Why did Vincent Van Gogh want to live in Paris? Why is yellow so prominent in Vincent Van Gogh's paintings? How old was Vincent Van Gogh when he started painting? What style did Vincent Van Gogh paint in? How many paintings did Van Gogh sell in his lifetime? What is Post Impressionism? What are Vincent Van Gogh's most influential artworks? Why should artists study Van Gogh's artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use leaf templates (maple, clove, chestnut, hickory) to outline basic shapes (geometric, organic, free form) for leaf prints

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the leaf prints

3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Van Gogh Leaf Prints

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Van Gogh Leaf Prints for Assigned Table

2. Falling Leaves (Les Alyscamps) (1888) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "What do you enjoy most about this painting? What do you like least about this painting? How would you do things differently? What other subjects could be painted in the post impressionism style? How did Vincent van Gogh use texture in his paintings? 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 artwork? How long did it take Vincent van Gogh to complete a painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (leaf) of the leaf prints

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

3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add patterns (dots, swirls, stripes) to the positive space (leaf) of the Van Gogh Leaf Prints

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Van Gogh Leaf Prints for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (foam plates, speed ball ink, brayers, rollers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add patterns (dots, swirls, stripes) to the negative space (background) of the leaf prints

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) with line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the leaf prints

3. Use color mixing techniques (blending, overlapping, contrasting) to fill in the positive space (leaf) of the Van Gogh Leaf Prints

Artist Examples

Student Examples

 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