lesson plans

Let's Learn About Artist!: YAYOI KUSAMA

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Let’s Learn About Artist:
YAYOI KUSAMA

By the end of this lesson, students will gain an understanding of the life and artistic style of Japanese female artist Yayoi Kusama, focusing on her use of patterns and colors. Through a hands-on activity, students will decorate pumpkin drawing with colored-dot stickers, learning about color composition and pattern making inspired by Kusama's work.

  • Materials

    • Pumpkin drawings

    • Dot stickers in various colors

    • Markers or colored pencils

  • Lesson Outline

    • Introduction (10minutes):

      1. Introduce Yayoi Kusama as a renowned Japanese female artist known for her unique art style characterized by repetitive patterns and vibrant colors.

      2. Provide a brief overview of Kusama's life, including her struggles with mental health and her journey as an artist.

      3. Show examples of Kusama's artworks, focusing on her pumpkin-themed pieces and the use of dots and patterns.

    • Biography and Artistic Journey (10 minutes):

      1. Discuss Kusama's artistic characteristics, including her fascination with repetition, infinity, and the concept of "obliteration" through dots.

      2. Explore Kusama's use of vibrant colors and how she creates dynamic compositions through the repetition of patterns.

      3. Highlight the significance of pumpkins in Kusama's work as symbols of fertility, growth, and the cycle of life.

    • Hands-On Activity (30 minutes): Pumpkin Decoration.

      1. Provide each student with pumpkin drawing.

      2. Instruct students to decorate their pumpkin drawing using dot stickers in various colors, inspired by Kusama's use of repetitive patterns.

      3. Encourage students to experiment with different color combinations and placement of dots to create visually interesting compositions.

      4. Allow students to outline their pumpkin drawing with markers or colored pencils to enhance the contrast with the dot stickers.

      5. Once completed, students can share their decorated pumpkins with the class and discuss their creative process.

    • Sharing and Appreciation (10 minutes):

      1. Lead a group discussion on the students' experiences with the activity, focusing on their color choices, pattern making, and the influence of Yayoi Kusama's art.

      2. Encourage students to reflect on how they incorporated Kusama's artistic characteristics into their own artwork and what they learned about color composition and pattern making.

      3. Discuss the significance of pumpkins as symbols in art and culture, drawing connections to Kusama's thematic motifs.

      4. Summarize key points about Yayoi Kusama's art and her influence on contemporary art.

      5. Emphasize the importance of experimentation, creativity, and self-expression in art.

  • Assessment:

    I found the pumpkin decoration activity to be an enriching and engaging experience for my students. The activity not only allowed them to express their creativity but also provided an opportunity for them to learn about the art of Yayoi Kusama and experiment with color composition and pattern making.

    One special moment during the activity occurred when a student with ADHD enthusiastically engaged with the task. This student, who often struggled to focus for extended periods, was captivated by the process of decorating their pumpkin drawing with dot stickers. As they meticulously placed each sticker, their focus and attention seemed to sharpen, and they became fully immersed in the creative process.

    What struck me most about this moment was the sense of calm and concentration that washed over the student. Despite the distractions that typically hindered their ability to stay on task, they found solace in the repetitive and tactile nature of the activity. It was heartening to witness how art provided a therapeutic outlet for this student, allowing them to channel their energy into a productive and fulfilling endeavor.

    Moreover, the pumpkin decoration activity served as a reminder of the transformative power of art in fostering inclusivity and supporting students with diverse learning needs. By providing a hands-on and sensory-rich experience, I was able to create an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, could participate and thrive.

    Overall, the pumpkin decoration activity was not only a memorable artistic experience for my students but also a testament to the profound impact that art can have on individuals' well-being and sense of belonging. It reaffirmed my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to shine.




Students’ Works

 
 
 
 

Let's Learn About Artist!: CLAUDE MONET

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Let’s Learn About Artist:
CLAUDE MONET

By the end of this lesson, students will gain an understanding of Claude Monet's life, artistic style, and contributions to the Impressionist movement, and create their own artwork inspired by his color choice.

  • Materials

    • Makers or Colored Pencils

    • Pencils

    • Scissors

    • Glues

    • Acrylic Paints

    • Paper Plates

    • Ziploc Bags

  • Lesson Outline

    • Introduction (10minutes):

      1. Briefly introduce Claude Monet and his significance in the art world as a leader of the Impressionist movement.

      2. Show a selection of Monet's artworks, focusing on his use of light, color, and brushwork.

      3. Discuss the characteristics of Impressionism and its departure from traditional artistic techniques.

    • Biography and Artistic Journey (10 minutes):

      1. Provide a brief overview of Monet's life, including his upbringing, influences, and artistic journey.

      2. Explore Monet's signature techniques such as plein air painting, loose brushwork, and capturing light and atmosphere.

      3. Discuss the themes commonly found in Monet's work, such as landscapes, gardens, and water lilies.

    • Hands-On Activity (30 minutes): Design your own Water Lily Pond.

      1. Squeeze acrylic paint of desired colors onto a paper plate, and place the paper plate inside a ziplock bag.

      2. Close the ziplock bag and gently rub the surface with their fingers to allow the paint to mix together and to create unique colors.

      3. Encourage students to use different strokes and pressure to create texture and depth in the painting.

      4. Once the paint is thoroughly mixed to create a pond-like appearance, design lily pads, lotus flowers, fish, etc., that can be seen at the edge of a pond and attach them onto the surface of the ziplock bag.

      4. Remind students appreciate the beauty of nature and find inspiration in their surroundings.

    • Sharing and Appreciation (10 minutes):

      1. Have students share their artworks with the class and encourage to reflect on how Monet's artistic style influenced their own approach to painting.

      2. Emphasize they will gain insight into Impressionist techniques such as capturing light and atmosphere, using loose brushstrokes, and embracing spontaneity

  • Assessment:

    This painting activity of designing their own water lily pond was a journey filled with discovery, creativity, and appreciation for the beauty of nature. As they squeezed acrylic paint onto paper plates and observed the colors blend inside ziplock bags, they were captivated by the magical transformation taking place before their eyes. The tactile experience of gently rubbing the paint to mix unique colors allowed them to feel connected to their artwork, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their creative process.

    Encouraged to use different strokes and pressure to create texture and depth in their paintings, students embraced the opportunity to experiment and express themselves artistically. With each brushstroke, they infused their paintings with a sense of movement and life, capturing the essence of a tranquil water lily pond. As the paint took on a pond-like appearance, students eagerly designed lily pads, lotus flowers, and fish to adorn the edge of the pond, allowing their imaginations to soar and their creativity to flourish.

    During the sharing and appreciation session, students eagerly showcased their artworks to their classmates, eager to share their unique interpretations of nature's beauty. Reflecting on how Claude Monet's artistic style influenced their own approach to painting, students gained a deeper understanding of Impressionist techniques and the importance of capturing the fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. Emphasizing the beauty of embracing randomness and experimenting with unconventional artistic approaches, students were inspired to trust their instincts and explore new possibilities in their artwork.

    Through this painting activity, the students not only developed their painting skills but also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature and the transformative power of art. As they reflected on their artwork and shared their experiences with their classmates, they celebrated the joy of creativity and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.

*Resources:
- Artworks:
Monet, Claude. The Water Lily Pond. 1900.
Monet, Claude. The Water Lilies. 1906.
Monet, Claude. The Water Lily Pond. 1917/19.

-Bio:

 

STUDENTS’
WORK

 
 
 

Let's Learn About Artist!: PABLO PICASSO

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Let’s Learn About Artist:
PABLO PICASSO

Students will explore the revolutionary artistry of Pablo Picasso, gaining insights into Cubism and unconventional expression, and apply these elements in their own creations inspired by his unique approach to art.

  • Materials

  • Lesson Outline

    • Introduction (10minutes):

      1. Briefly introduce Pablo Picasso and his significance in the art world.

      2. Highlight Picasso's role as a pioneer of Cubism and his ability to express emotions and ideas in unconventional ways.

      3. Emphasize the use of geometric shapes, distorted forms, and multiple perspectives in Cubist artworks.

    • Biography and Artistic Journey (10 minutes):

      1. Provide a concise overview of Picasso's life, including his early years, Blue and Rose periods, African art influence, and later works.

      2. Discuss his collaborations, impact on modern art, and the evolution of his style over time.

      3. Encourage students to ask questions and express their initial thoughts on Picasso's art.

    • Hands-On Activity (20 minutes): Let’s draw like Pablo Picasso! : Roll-a-dice Game

      1. Students roll a dice, incorporating the assigned element into their artwork based on the number rolled.

      2. Students begin drawing based on the elements assigned by the dice rolls.

      3. Encourage them to experiment with composition, layering, and abstract representations, mirroring Picasso's Cubist techniques.

      4. Remind students that the aim is to embrace the unpredictability of the dice rolls and let creativity flow.

    • Sharing and Appreciation (10 minutes):

      1. Encourage sharing within small groups or pairs, discussing the unique interpretations and elements in each artwork.

      2. Emphasize the beauty of embracing randomness and experimenting with unconventional artistic approaches.

  • Assessment:

    This Roll-a-Dice Picasso Cubism Drawing Game aims to make the learning experience enjoyable while encouraging participants to explore the essence of Cubism and Picasso's innovative spirit in a playful and interactive way. This lesson aims to not only introduce students to the world of Picasso but also inspire them to experiment with unconventional artistic approaches in their own work. Interestingly, many students tend to avoid asymmetry and create a "pretty" drawing. So, I told the children that despite not being perfect or conventionally pretty, there is beauty in it, and it's important to learn how to see and appreciate that beauty.

*Resources:
Printout: Let’s draw like Pablo Picasso! from Metropolitan Library System
(https://www.metrolibrary.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/PicassoDiceGame.pdf)
Artworks: Art Institute of Chicago
(https://www.artic.edu/artists/36198/pablo-picasso)

 

Students’ Work

 
 
 
 
 

Bridging Creativity: Empowering Youth through Art Education

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Hello:)

I'm thrilled to share my vision for an exciting youth development initiative at the Robinson Community Learning Center as an art educator. The Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) is a community outreach and educational center located in South Bend, Indiana. It is affiliated with the University of Notre Dame and is dedicated to providing educational and enrichment opportunities for the local community, with a focus on youth and families. In many cases, the RCLC integrates arts and education, recognizing the value of creative expression in personal development. This may involve art classes, workshops, and exhibitions to promote artistic skills and appreciation.

As an art educator, my lesson plans centers on creating an engaging and inclusive environment where the youth can explore and celebrate their creativity.

First things first, why the youth, you might wonder? Well, after years in the art scene, I've come to believe that fostering creativity in young minds is like planting seeds that grow into lifelong passions. The youth are bursting with untapped imagination, and my mission is to provide a canvas where they can freely express themselves, boost self-confidence, and acquire essential life skills through the magic of art. It's not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about sculpting resilient, confident individuals ready to face the world.

Now, let's talk accessibility. Art should be for everyone, right? My aim as an art educator is designed with inclusivity in mind. I'm envisioning art programs that are not just engaging but also easily accessible to all the diverse talented students. Whether a student dreams of being the next Picasso or simply wants to dabble in colors for the first time, I keep trying to be a bridge between art and the students. When art is for everyone, it encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives. It promotes an environment where individuals from different walks of life can share their unique stories, fostering understanding and empathy.

By documenting and sharing my journey as an art educator, I hope to inspire fellow educators, parents, and enthusiasts to recognize the significance of creative expression in youth development. Through this blog, I aspire to create a resource hub where ideas converge, fostering a community dedicated to empowering the next generation through art.