For this lesson we began our series of artist studies. The children and I discussed how many objects have been recreated by artists all over the world. I brought several famous flower paintings to class and we compared technique, color, and use of space. The goal was to understand that everyone sees from a different perspective and that as long as we are doing our best, all art is beautiful. The children were amazed to learn that Vincent Van Gogh's original work sells for more than one million dollars and excited to know that I thought they were each million dollar artists too.In learning about Vincent Van Gogh and his work, the focus was on color, use of space, perspective, and technique. It was important that the student artists used only the colors of the actual flowers and vase in their painting. (For example, many children want to use blue for water all of the time without realizing that most water is not blue). They were also instructed to use as much space as possible (remember those positive/negative space lessons!). Finally, the student artists learned that in painting it is important to use light colors first whenever possible, and the proper way to hold and use a paint brush.
Because all great artists need time, we decided to shrink our vase of sunflowers to three. The steps involved in this project were: Step One: using a yellow colored pencil, sketch the outline of the vase and flowers making sure to make them large enough that you can paint it later. Step Two: paint the light colored areas first. E.g. yellow petals, green stems, yellow vase, followed by the brown center. Step Three: resist the temptation to lift your paper so that the paint won't run!
Notice how this million dollar artists focuses on his use of space and paints flowers facing different directions and positioned at different angles.
These student artists are hard at work focusing on their technique.
Because we had so many Fridays off this month, I taught both second grade classes at the same time.
Some completed third grade work.
This lesson concludes the Van Gogh perspective series. For this project, students looked at the sunflower from a different perspective - the back.
Every student saw the sunflower from a different perspective depending upon where they sat. To begin, each student created a "viewfinder" with their hands to establish a picture of what they would paint.
Next, they drew the sunflower using green and yellow colored pencils. They paid special attention to creating their personal perspective, taking care to watch angles and use their painters space wisely.
Beginning with the yellow, students painted their flowers.
Many students used their knowledge of paint blending to create a yellow-green color with which to paint their flower's stem and leaves. (see above)
Above is Mrs. Mattern's class proudly displaying their unique perspectives. (Click on any photo to see it larger)
