Claude
Monet
by
Lori Langsner, Art Teacher
AIMS:
1. We will learn about the Impressionist artist Claude Monet
2.
We will learn to appreciate the contribution Monet’s paintings have made to
the Impressionist movement.
3. We will learn to analyze and interpret Monet’s painting; “Impression: Sunrise” located at: http://www.intermonet.com/oeuvre/debuts.htm
4.
Students will organize and synthesize new information in the form of a
written biography.
5.
Students will sketch an Impressionistic landscape to be completed as an acrylic
on canvas painting in a follow-up lesson.
GRADE
LEVEL:
8th grade Accelerated Art
ESTIMATED
TIME:
One month, class meets 4 times per week for 40 minutes
SETTING:
Art classroom
INTERDISCIPLINARY
AREAS:
Language Arts, Social Studies, Music
DO NOW:
1. While researching Monet and viewing images on the web, “brainstorm” and come up with adjectives and metaphors to describe his painting.
-ex.colorful,
bright, textured, scenic, beautiful, relaxing on a summer afternoon
2.
List the major qualities found in all Monet’s paintings.
-light,
bright color, natural everyday setting; outdoors, texture, short, quick
brushstrokes, fleeting patterns
3. List the names of other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
-Renoir,
Degas, Sisley, Pisarro, Manet, Van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin, Cezanne
HOMEWORK:
Research and answer the following:
1.
What is Impressionism?
- a style that attempted to capture
the rapidly changing effects of light on objects
2.
What years did it occur?
- 1860’s - 1880’s
3.
Why was the movement started?
- a
group of discouraged young artists decided to hold an exhibition of their
own
4.
Who were the artists involved?
- Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas,
Pisarro, Sisley
5.
Where did it take place ?
- Paris, France
VOCABULARY:
1. Claude Monet -
2. Impressionism -
MOTIVATION:
While
a CD of Debussy's "L'apres-midi d'un faune (The Afternoon of a Faun)"
is playing softly in the background, students will view web images of Monet's
Gardens at Giverny, http://giverny.org
reproductions of Impressionist paintings, and student Impressionist
paintings. They will be asked to
answer orally in class; "What do you think life was like at the time these
paintings were created? "Tell
a story about what you see in these paintings". Which of these paintings is your favorite?
Explain why".
Students
may view digital images of student's Impressionist paintings (see illustrated
samples addendum}
PROCEDURE:
1.
To become acquainted with the period of Impressionism, students will view
computer images of the Impressionist artists.
2.
Paintings will be discussed; Elicit from students: What do these paintings all
have in common? What do you think
was the artists inspiration for these paintings?
Why are you drawn to one artist as opposed to another?
3.
Elicit from students and write on the board :"The Qualities of
Impressionism": light, bright color, natural everyday setting (outdoors),
texture, short, quick brushstrokes, fleeting patterns
4.
Employing, analyzing and communicating their newly found information, students
will write a biography of Claude Monet as if conducting a personal interview
with the artist. Thought questions might be: "Why did you rebel against the
establishment?" "What
motivated you to create your own magnificent gardens?"
"How has the effect of light been an inspirational force throughout
all your paintings?"
5.
Using sketchpads and color pencils, students will compose an original landscape
in the Impressionist style to be completed in class as an acrylic on canvas
painting, at a later follow-up date.
6. Students will share their biographies and sketches with each other as they present orally to the class.
EVALUATION:
1.
What is the "art" of Impressionism?
2.
How has the computer aided you in your research of art history?
3.
How did the Monet web site help you create sketches for your final painting?
4.
Why were the Impressionist artists considered "rebellious"?
5.
Why do you think so many people enjoy a Monet painting?
ANECDOTES:
When children and adults enter my classroom, and view the student's mural of
Monet's waterlilies, they "glow" and smile and are so
"impressed" by what these students have achieved.
STUDENT ILLUSTRATED WORK:
ADDITIONAL
LINKS:
http://www.classical.net/music/comp.1st/debussy.html
"Claude Debussy (1862-1918) French composer of piano music, opera,
cantatas, ballets, and orchestral and chamber works.
Inspired often by pictorial subjects (Monet's water impressions became
"reflections in the water" for piano)".
FOLLOW - UP ACTIVITIES:
1.
Students prepare a portfolio of sketches and artwork of Impressionism as it
would be captured today, your neighborhood, the soccer field, concert, etc.
2.
Create a school art gallery of Impressionism.
