(a) Activity: Compare and Contrast with Artist Workshop –Grade 4
In this activity students will be shown two artworks depicting landscapes. One will be a painting done by a classic artist and the other by a contemporary artist (Resting under the lilacs by Claude Monet and Aqua Vista I by Richard Pargeter). The students will have the opportunity to orally discuss their reactions to each painting as they are presented one by one. As they examine and draw conclusions from one painting, they will be introduced to the next painting to be explored individually. When the students have completed oral discussion led by the teacher about each painting separately, the teacher will present a slide with both paintings side by side. The students will then be asked to complete a venn diagram in pairs comparing and contrasting both paintings. This activity should take about 30 minutes in total. (10 minutes on each painting and 10 minutes completing their venn diagrams) At the end of the time allotted for the students, the teacher will lead another discussion about the similarities and differences between the two painting and the students will share their discoveries as the teacher compiles a large venn diagram filled with their answers.
After students have had an opportunity to develop their observation and critical thinking skills through the aforementioned activity, the students will express their creativity and technical knowledge by creating their own landscape painting in the style of their choice. Students will be able to ask their teacher for advice, but this activity will be an individual activity and the students are encouraged to be creative.
(b) Goals:
- Students will be able to visually find differences and similarities between two works of art of different styles.
- Students will successfully use a Venn Diagram
- Students will create a landscape painting that reflects their personal style and interests.
(c) Materials:
Venn Diagram to use in pairs.
Post card sized paintings to use in pairs of both art pieces
Powerpoint slides of artworks to use in discussion and presentation
Large construction paper of various colors
Paintbrushes of different sizes
Tempera paint
Newspapers for covering desks
Water dishes for tables
Smocks for students
(d) Resources
Website including biography of Richard Pargeter and some of his artwork:
http://www.buy-fineart.com/biography.asp?a=9366
Age Appropriate Literature:
Linnea in Monet’s Garden by: Cristina Bjork
Quote:
Art is everywhere, except it has to pass through a creative mind. Louise Nevelson
(e) Criteria for Evaluation and Questions for Discussion:
Students will be evaluated based on their mastery of the use of a venn diagram as well as their participation in the discussion of the paintings before and after completion of the venn diagram. Students will also be evaluated based on their exploration of technique while painting their own personal landscapes.
-What similarities do you see in each painting?
-What differences do you see in each painting?
-What can you tell me about the colors of each painting?
- What kind of emotions do these colors create in the painting?
-Why do you think the artist painted this?
-What kind of landscapes inspire you?
