Amanda S_Final Project

Imitation of Salvador Dali
4th Grade

ACTIVITY:
The activity begins by reading Dinner at Margritte's as a class. The teacher will them perform a quick walk through of the biography Salvador Dali while drawing attention to the examples of artwork.

The teacher will then lead a discussion in which students will explain their reaction to the art and the work of the imitator. During this time, the class will define Dali's characteristics of surrealism and identify the connections between the artist's work and his imitator's. The teacher can note key points of discussion on the board for students to reference later.

The class with then use a variety of available art materials to create an imitation of one of Dali's works. The student's artwork can reflect Dali's style, technique, focus, or inspiration.

After the students complete their artwork, each will present their projects and how their art is an imitation/reflection of Salvador Dali's work.

I chose a surrealist artist for students to imitate because this age group is statistically concerned with the concept of realism. By releasing the students from their crisis of realism, they can focus on analyzing the works of Dali and interpreting his style in creating their own work.

GOALS:
The student will be able to define surrealism.
The student will be able to identify characteristics of Salvador Dali's style.
The student will be able create a piece of art related to the works of Salvador Dali.
The student will be able to explain the connection between their own art and the shared examples of Salvador Dali in relation to style, technique, focus, or inspiration.

MATERIALS:
Dinner at Margritte's
Salvador Dali
white board
marker
paper (varied)
brushes
temper paint
oil paint
oil pastels
clay

CONTEMPORARY ART:
Architecture: Dali inspired home
Fashion: dressing in surrealism
Vladimir Kush: background information and artwork

LITERATURE:
Dinner at Margritte's by Michael Garland
In this story for ages 9-13 is a vividly illustrated narrative in which a young boy spends the day with Salvador Dali. The illustrations and story reflect Dali's style of surrealism.

Salvador Dali by Leonnie Bennett
This story for ages 7-11 provides a biographical background on Salvador Dali and his artwork. The book contains images of famous works by the artist.

These two books can be used to compare the original works of Salvador Dali and the fictitious illustrations inspired by his style. Quality discussion helps students make connections between the two artist by discussing style, technique, focus, and inspiration.

QUOTE:
"Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing."--Salvador Dali
I chose this quote because it embodies the central theme of my activity--imitation. As much as I hate being told how to create art, I recognize the importance of implicit instruction when learning and developing artistic skills. Artistic imitation can ultimately lead to refinement, creativity, and inspiration.

ASSESSMENT/DISCUSSION:
The students will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Requirements for a "pass" includude an original work of art by the student accompanied with an explanation of how the work reflects the art of Salvador Dali. Students can reference the artist's style, technique, focus, or inspiration in this explanation.

After reading the two stories as a class, the teacher will lead a discussion with the following?
-How would you describe Salvador Dali's art?
-What technique do you like?
-What does the art mean to you?
-How can we define this style of surrealism?
-How do Dali and the imitator's art compare/differ?
-What do you like most about Dali's art?
-What aspect would you like to imitate/what is your plan for your art?