Lesson Plan - Famous Artists and Their Techniques

Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Subject: Visual Arts
Duration: 4-5 class periods (approximately 45 minutes each)

Objective:
Students will explore the styles and techniques of famous artists from different periods in art history. They will learn to identify key elements of each artist's work and apply these techniques in their own original art projects.

Materials Needed:

• Images of famous artworks (digital or printed)
• Acrylic or tempera paints
• Brushes of various sizes
• Canvas or heavy-duty paper (at least 9"x12")
• Pencils and erasers
• Charcoal or pastels (optional)
• Palettes for mixing paints
• Water cups and paper towels
• Art history books or internet access for research
• Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing

Artists and Techniques to Explore:

• Vincent van Gogh - Thick, expressive brushstrokes; impasto technique
• Pablo Picasso - Cubism; breaking down objects into geometric shapes
• Claude Monet - Impressionism; capturing light and color with loose, quick brushstrokes
• Frida Kahlo - Surrealism and symbolism; combining realism with personal and cultural symbols
• Jackson Pollock - Abstract Expressionism; drip painting technique

Vocabulary:

• Impressionism: A style that captures the effects of light and color, often with loose brushwork.
• Cubism: A movement that breaks objects down into geometric shapes, often from multiple perspectives.
• Surrealism: A style that expresses imaginative dreams and visions, often with a sense of the bizarre or fantastical.
• Abstract Expressionism: A movement characterized by free, spontaneous, and often chaotic application of paint.

Lesson Activities:

 

Day 1: Introduction to Famous Artists

Warm-Up Discussion (10 minutes):
Begin with a discussion about what makes art memorable. Ask students to share if they have a favorite artist or artwork.
Introduce the five artists featured in the lesson, providing a brief overview of their styles and significance.

Artist Gallery Walk (20 minutes):
Set up a “gallery” in the classroom with printed or digital images of key works by van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Kahlo, and Pollock.
Have students walk around, observing each piece. Ask them to note down what they notice about the techniques used and how each artist’s style is different.

Class Discussion (15 minutes):
After the gallery walk, discuss as a class what students observed. Highlight the unique techniques each artist is known for, and how these techniques contribute to the overall effect of the artwork.

 

Day 2: Exploring Techniques - Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet

Focus on van Gogh (20 minutes):
Show students examples of van Gogh’s work, such as "Starry Night" or "Sunflowers." Discuss his use of thick brushstrokes and how he layered paint to create texture and movement.

Activity: Students will create their own van Gogh-inspired piece, focusing on the use of thick paint and bold, swirling strokes.

Focus on Monet (20 minutes):
Introduce Monet’s technique of capturing light and color, using examples like "Water Lilies" or "Impression, Sunrise."

Activity: Students will paint a landscape or scene using loose, quick brushstrokes, focusing on how light and color interact.

 

Day 3: Exploring Techniques - Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo

Focus on Picasso (20 minutes):
Present examples of Picasso’s Cubist works, such as "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" or "Guernica." Discuss how he broke down objects into geometric shapes and portrayed them from multiple angles.

Activity: Students will create a Cubist-inspired drawing or painting, breaking down a simple object or face into geometric shapes.

Focus on Kahlo (20 minutes):
Show examples of Kahlo’s self-portraits and discuss how she used symbolism to convey personal and cultural stories.

Activity: Students will create a symbolic self-portrait, incorporating personal symbols that represent their identity or experiences.

 

Day 4: Exploring Techniques - Jackson Pollock

Focus on Pollock (15 minutes):
Introduce Pollock’s drip painting technique, showing videos or images of him at work. Discuss the concept of Abstract Expressionism and how Pollock’s work reflects spontaneity and emotion.

Activity: Take students outside (or cover the workspace well) and allow them to create their own Pollock-inspired drip paintings, focusing on movement, rhythm, and expression.

Reflection and Class Critique (30 minutes):
Once all pieces are completed, set up a class gallery where students can display their work.

Conduct a class critique where students discuss the techniques they used, what they found challenging, and what they enjoyed. Encourage them to give constructive feedback to their peers.

Day 5: Final Reflections and Art Showcase

Finishing Touches (20 minutes):
Allow students time to add any final touches to their artwork.
If possible, students can also write a brief artist’s statement about their work and the techniques they explored.

Art Showcase (25 minutes):
Host a classroom or school-wide art showcase where students can present their work inspired by famous artists. Invite other classes or parents to view the gallery.
Students can stand by their work and explain the artist they chose to emulate and what they learned from the process.

Assessment:

• Participation: Engagement in discussions, activities, and critiques.
• Artwork: Evaluation based on creativity, understanding and application of the artist’s techniques, and overall craftsmanship.
• Reflection: Quality of the student’s artist statement and their ability to articulate what they learned.

Extensions:
Art History Research: Students can research another famous artist not covered in the lesson and present a report or create artwork inspired by that artist.

Cross-Curricular Connections: Integrate language arts by having students write a fictional story or poem inspired by one of the artworks they studied or created.

Modifications:
Provide step-by-step guidance and templates for students who need additional support.

Allow advanced students to experiment with combining techniques from different artists to create a hybrid piece of artwork.

Conclusion:
This lesson plan offers middle school students an engaging and hands-on opportunity to explore the world of famous artists and their unique techniques. By experimenting with different styles, students not only learn about art history but also develop their own creative skills and artistic voice.