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frida kahlo

September 10, 2019 2 Comments

5 Tips for Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion

Inside: Five tips for how to lead a classroom art discussion that will get your students thinking about and enjoying works of art.

Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion

Looking at art is an inspirational and emotional experience. Talking about art is a launching pad for creativity, collaboration, and cognition. A meaningful classroom art discussion helps students develop empathy, flex thinking and observation skills, connect with history, and savor the human spirit.

But the idea of leading such a discussion fills many art teachers with dread.

Where do I start?
What if my students don’t say anything?
What if they ask a question I don’t know the answer to?

Fear not! Students want to look at artwork and they have a lot to say about it. Your classroom can become a place where vital, interesting discussions about art happen regularly with these five tips.

1. Choose a Compelling Artwork

The goal here is not to pick an artwork that all of your students will love. That’s an impossible task! The goal is to choose an artwork that will spark questions and is open to interpretation.

5 Tips for Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion
Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939

 

I love showing The Two Fridas to students. There’s so much going on that their minds race at first sight.

Why are there two?
Are they sisters? Twins?
Why are they holding hands?
What’s going on with the hearts?

No two discussions about The Two Fridas will be alike and that makes it a perfect artwork to share with your students.

When choosing art to discuss, look for pieces that catch your eye and make you wonder what’s going on. If you’re curious, your students will be too.

Free Worksheets!

SPARK Art Criticism Framework

SPARK is a complete art criticism and discussion framework that ignites deeper student art connections and more engaging classroom art discussions. Download these free SPARK posters plus a worksheet to use in your classroom!

Download

Free Worksheets!

SPARK Art Criticism Framework

SPARK is a complete art criticism and discussion framework that ignites deeper student art connections and more engaging classroom art discussions. Download these free SPARK posters plus a worksheet to use in your classroom!

2. Let Them Think

Some students will be bursting with thoughts. Others need space to let their ideas build. Give them all time to gather their thoughts by having a silent observation period at the beginning of class. Students can write down what they notice, answer a question you pose, or sketch the artwork. These bellringers allow them to focus and brainstorm before they’re influenced by their classmates.

5 Tips for Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion

A vital part of getting students to engage is giving them the freedom and support to have their own ideas without fear of being wrong or ridiculed. Create a classroom culture that celebrates differences of opinion and doesn’t hold any one interpretation up over another (even the opinion of you, the artist, the museum, or an art historian).

To encourage open conversation, consider not sharing the title or other information about the artwork. If you do, wait until the discussion has taken off and with the reminder that there are no “right” answers.

3. Engage

You want to give your students the freedom to be open, but you can’t stay silent and facilitate a meaningful classroom art discussion. So, what do you do?

Ask & Repeat

When a student tells you one of their observations, repeat it back to them and ask questions to make sure you understand what they’re saying. Don’t be afraid to dive deep and ask multiple questions. When students are heard and understood, they’re more likely to speak up again.

If you get a question about interpretation instead of an observation, direct it back to the student. For example, if they ask why the two Fridas are holding hands, ask them what they think.

You don’t have to praise every comment to encourage your students. No one likes to receive forced or false praise. The simple act of listening and repeating to show you’ve understood is more than enough.

Move

When I’m teaching, I constantly move around the room. When a student is speaking, I stand near them so they know that I’m listening. I want every student, including the introverts and the ones at the back of the room, to know that they are a part of the discussion and expected to share their thoughts.

5 Tips for Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion

This strategy works great for behavior and to keep everyone on track. If they know you could walk by them at any moment, they are more likely to stay involved.

4. Get Comfortable with Quiet

Silence doesn’t mean the discussion is over. Allow those moments for students to ruminate and observe more. These stretches are a great opportunity for more reserved students to gather the courage to speak up.

If you start to feel uncomfortable, take a breath. Choose a student who hasn’t said much, then make and maintain eye contact. Embrace the awkward. Even if it takes a minute, someone will get the ball rolling again.

If you have a particular class that struggles with open discussion, carry a clipboard and take note of when someone makes a comment or goes off-task. You don’t have to announce it. Just make eye contact and write an ‘x’ or a check. They’ll notice and begin participating on their own. Another option is to call on students directly through something like drawing names out of a bucket. These are handy tools but rarely necessary.

5. Have Fun

If you have stage fright, rest easy. This isn’t a lecture. You don’t have to do all the work or know all the facts. If you don’t know an answer, ponder with the students and share the joy of discovery and creativity.

Enjoying art and the desire to share that joy is why you became an art teacher. This is the dream! A teacher’s enthusiasm is especially beneficial to a classroom art discussion. Your passion will spread to your class. Celebrate the process of discovering an artwork together and delight in your students as they show their creative, thoughtful, humorous selves.

 

Art Teacher Blogs

 

This post was originally a part of The Art Ed Blogger’s Network: Monthly Tips and Inspiration from Art Teacher Blogs.

Participating Art Teacher Blogs:

  • Art Class Curator
  • Art Ed Guru
  • Art is Basic
  • Art Room Blog
  • Art Teacher Tales
  • Art with Mr. E
  • Arte a Scuola
  • Brava Art Press
  • Artful Artsy Amy
  • Capitol of Creativity
  • Create Art with ME
  • MiniMatisse
  • Mona Lisa Lives Here
  • Mr. Calvert’s Art Room Happenings
  • Mrs. Boudreaux’s Amazing Art Room
  • Mrs. T’s Art Room
  • Ms. Nasser’s Art Studio
  • Party in the Art Room
  • shine brite zamorano
  • Tales from the Traveling Art Teacher
  • There’s a Dragon in my Art Room
  • 2 Art Rooms

This blog was originally posted on May 8, 2018.

Mentioned on the Art Class Curator Podcast…

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Filed Under: Art Ed Blogger's Network, Art Teacher Tips
Tagged With: best of art class curator, frida kahlo

 

July 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

6 Juicy Artworks for the First Day of School

Art Discussion First Day of School

Inside: Six works of art with discussion questions and creative activities that make perfect first day of school art activities for art teachers of any grade.

Art Discussion First Day of School

August is coming…

I know.

Summer just started! You’ve barely had a chance to sunbathe or swim, and yet it’s almost time to attend in-service meetings, set up your classroom (or reorganize your cart for the thousandth time), and figure out how to make your favorite projects fit into the new lesson planning requirements (again).

There’s so much to do and the calendar is mocking you. Why, oh why, can’t you cram in a little weekend getaway? You just need a few days days to relax. Please?

Preparing for Back-to-School

Nevertheless, as you move through the stages of back-to-school grief, you remember all the things you love–the students you adore, the insightful comments and outstanding art, the silly jokes, your family of coworkers, the helpful volunteers, and those precious moments when you watch knowledge light up a student’s life.

The new school year will be exhilarating, exhausting, frustrating, and wonderful. And before you worry too much about what to do when you’re faced with class after class of familiar and brand new faces, let me help you out!

I won’t tell you how important it is to start the school year off strong, you already know. (And, if you’ve forgotten, I’m sure the many staff meetings you’re about to attend will remind you.) The school year is a marathon, not a sprint, and while getting off on the wrong foot won’t doom your year, it will make it harder to hit your stride. So, set the stage for stellar behavior with classroom management techniques, then show your students that art class is for more than making art–it’s for thinking critically about works of art and exploring the worlds both within and around them.

First Day of School Art Activities

Every year, I see frenzied Facebook discussions with art teachers trying to determine which project will not only get the kids hooked but also be feasible for the first day of school art activities. A lot of great ideas are thrown around, but I think there’s a easier way to get them excited.

Surprise your students by introducing them to a rich, fascinating work of art. A lot of teachers tell me that their biggest fear about incorporating more artworks and art history into their curriculum is the prospect of students being upset because they aren’t making their own art. That’s why the first day of school is such a great time to do this! When you set the expectation from the very first day***, your students won’t be confused, and they’ll know just how fun it can be! (***Or, the first week. Because goodness knows the attendance rolls will get mixed up, or you’ll have a dozen dress code infractions, and WHAT?! The bell is ringing already?!)

Let your students know:

Art class is more than just making art. We look at art and we talk about it together. We do this a lot.

And it. is. AWESOME.

Without further ado, here are six of my favorite artworks to share with students on the first day of school. Each one offers a lot for your classes to sink their teeth into and whet their appetite for the rest of the year! I’ve included links to blog posts that go into more depth for each piece and included some fun activities in case you’ve got enviable free time on the first day of school.

Also, check out my tips for an engaging classroom art discussion in this post.

The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo

first day of school art activities
Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939

I’ve used this as the first artwork of the school year before, and the students loved it!

Beyond Discussion

Have students write dialogue between the two Fridas. Then, pair them up to act out their scripts in front of the class!

Find discussion questions and more for The Two Fridas in this blog post.

Closed by Sorcery by Luis Felipe Noe

artworks for first day of school art class
Closed by Sorcery, Luis Felipe Noé, 1963

This artwork is perfect for older students. There are a lot of juicy details, deep emotions, and a bit of shock value to analyze and interpret.

Beyond Discussion

Instruct students to write a poem from the point of view of the person at the top of the artwork.

Find more activities and some discussion questions on this blog post about Closed by Sorcery.

Fate of the Animals by Franz Marc

What Makes Art Good? A Lesson and Explanation of Art Theories
Franz Marc, Fate of the Animals, 1913

This artwork is a stunning mixture of brilliant color and raw emotion. There are multiple points to discuss, everything from the elements and principles of art to the cool World War I context. It’s a great pick for students from 3rd grade on up to high school.

Beyond Discussion

Ask students to ponder the nature of the creature in the top right hand corner. Then, have them write a narrative about the man/machine.

Find more information and teaching resources for Fate of the Animals in this blog post.

Nkisi Nkondi Power Figures from the Kongo people

These powerhouse sculptures are fascinating to students of all ages. They’ll be intrigued imagining the possible functions of the figures.

Beyond Discussion

Students will enjoy getting out of their seats for a kinesthetic activity! Getting up and positioning themselves in the poses of the sculptures often opens their minds to new interpretive possibilities.

Learn more about the Nkisi Nkondi Power Figures, along with discussion questions and creative learning activities, on this blog post.

Parson Weems’ Fable by Grant Wood

Grant Wood, Parson Weems Fable - first day of school art activities
Parson Weems’ Fable, Grant Wood, 1939

Many years ago, I was a Gallery Teacher at the Amon Carter Museum where this painting resides. This one was so fun to explore with students—the lines that all point to mini-George Washington, the repetition of shapes, the role of the narrator, and the awesome dollar-bill style head on the child George’s body. Not to mention the myth and the story behind it!

Beyond Discussion

After pointing out some of the shapes and discussing the role of emphasis lines in art, have students draw the ones they see in this artwork.

Explore the elements and principles in Parson Weems Fable and find matching discussion questions in this blog post.

Selim and Zuleika by Eugène Delacroix

Selim and Zuleika, Eugène Delacroix, 1857

This artwork is perfect for an art interpretation discussion, because it has tons of narrative, excellent usage of the elements and principles of art that contribute to the meaning, and some great opportunities for detective work by the students.

Beyond Discussion

Group students and have them create a tableaux vivant of what they think happened before, during, and after this scene.

Find a free printable and a discussion video for Selim and Zuleika on this blog post.

Are you hyped yet? I hope so! Either way, let me know how it goes, especially if you share one of these breathtaking artworks with your students. If you have another work you love for first day of school art activities, I’d love to know about that too!

6 Juicy Artworks to Discuss on the First Day of School

This post was a part of The Art Ed Blogger’s Network: Monthly Tips and Inspiration from Art Teacher Blogs.

Participating Art Teacher Blogs:

  • Art Class Curator
  • Art Ed Guru
  • Art is Basic
  • Art Room Blog
  • Art Teacher Tales
  • Art with Mr. E
  • Arte a Scuola
  • Brava Art Press
  • Artful Artsy Amy
  • Capitol of Creativity
  • Create Art with ME
  • MiniMatisse
  • Mona Lisa Lives Here
  • Mr. Calvert’s Art Room Happenings
  • Mrs. Boudreaux’s Amazing Art Room
  • Mrs. T’s Art Room
  • Ms. Nasser’s Art Studio
  • Party in the Art Room
  • shine brite zamorano
  • Tales from the Traveling Art Teacher
  • There’s a Dragon in my Art Room
  • 2 Art Rooms

This post was originally published on July 10, 2018.

Filed Under: Art and Artists, Art Ed Blogger's Network
Tagged With: best of art class curator, eugene delacroix, franz marc, frida kahlo, grant wood, luis felipe noe

 

February 5, 2018 6 Comments

Beyond the Poker Table: 25 Dogs in Art

Beyond Dogs Playing Poker Dogs in Art-pin

Inside: There is more to dogs in art than just dogs playing poker! Check out 25 of these fetching examples of dogs in art.

Next week is Chinese New Year which starts the year of the dog! To celebrate the year of the dog and to honor the newest member to my family (meet my new buddy Vader Steve Ingram at the bottom of this post), I present to you 25 awesome dogs in art!

Beyond Dogs Playing Poker Dogs in Art-pin

Dogs Playing Poker

Growing up I had a print of Dogs Playing Poker in my room. I knew nothing about it, but I just thought it was awesome. For this post on dogs in art, I did a little research and learned more about what I originally thought was just one artwork. It turns out that Cassius Marcellus Coolidge painted 16 dog paintings with 9 of them being poker scenes. Others include dogs playing football, dogs having romantic dinners, and dogs in the courtroom. Check out 15 more things you should know about Dogs Playing Poker on Mental Floss.

These dogs in art would be a great conversation piece with your classes. Why are they not considered “fine art” or given a lot of critical acclaim in the art world? Why are the dogs playing poker seen as a joke in the artworks rather than as serious work?

Dogs in Art - Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, A Bold Bluff, 1903
Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, A Bold Bluff, 1903

Dogs in Art

Enjoy this collection of dog art. I hope you find one you connect with!

Dogs in Art - Keith Haring, Cruella De Vil, 1984
Keith Haring, Cruella De Vil, 1984

Dogs in Art - William Wegman, Blue Period with Banjo, 1980
William Wegman, Blue Period with Banjo, 1980

Dogs in Art - Edwin Henry Landseer, Laying Down the Law, 1840
Edwin Henry Landseer, Laying Down the Law, 1840

Dogs in Art - Francisco Goya, The Dog, circa 1819-1823
Francisco Goya, The Dog, circa 1819-1823

Dogs in Art - Franz Marc, Red Dog, 1911
Franz Marc, Red Dog, 1911

Dogs in Art - Frida Kahlo, Itzcuintli Dog with Me, 1938
Frida Kahlo, Itzcuintli Dog with Me, 1938

Dogs in Art - Giacomo Balla, Dynamism of a Dog in a Leash, 1912
Giacomo Balla, Dynamism of a Dog in a Leash, 1912

Dogs in Art - Jeff Koons Puppy, 1992
Jeff Koons, Puppy, 1992

Dogs in Art - Joan Miro, Figures and Dog in Front of the Sun, 1949
Joan Miro, Figures and Dog in Front of the Sun, 1949

Dogs in Art - Joshua Reynolds, Miss Bowles, 1775
Joshua Reynolds, Miss Bowles, 1775

Dogs in Art - Marisol Escobar, Women and Dog, 1964
Marisol Escobar, Women and Dog, 1964

Dogs in Art - Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878
Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878

Dogs in Art - Michael Sowa, Their Masters Voice
Michael Sowa, Their Masters Voice

Dogs in Art - Otto Dix, Hugo Erfurth with Dog, 1926
Otto Dix, Hugo Erfurth with Dog, 1926

Dogs in Art - Paul Gauguin, Still Life with Three Puppies, 1888
Paul Gauguin, Still Life with Three Puppies, 1888

Dogs in Art - Pompeii Italy, Beware of the Dog
Pompeii Italy, Beware of the Dog

Dogs in Art - Rufino Tamayo, Moon Dog, 1973
Rufino Tamayo, Moon Dog, 1973

Dogs in Art - Titian, Portrait of Charles V with a Dog, 1532
Titian, Portrait of Charles V with a Dog, 1532

Dogs in Art - Titian, Portrait of Clarissa Strozzi, 1542
Titian, Portrait of Clarissa Strozzi, 1542

Dogs in Art - Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hata Rokurozaemon with His Dog, 1797
Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hata Rokurozaemon with His Dog, 1797

Dogs in Art - Vittore Carpaccio, Two Venetian Ladies, 1490
Vittore Carpaccio, Two Venetian Ladies, 1490

Dogs in Art - William Hogarth, Painter and His Pug, 1745
William Hogarth, Painter and His Pug, 1745

Which was your favorite dog in art? Let me know in the comments!

As promised, here is a picture of my new doggie, Vader! He just fell into our laps last month, and we just couldn’t be happier with him!

 

Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Edwin Henry Landseer, francisco goya, franz marc, frida kahlo, giacomo balla, Jeff Koons, joan miro, Joshua Reynolds, keith haring, Marisol Escobar, mary cassatt, michael sowa, Otto Dix, paul gauguin, rufino tamayo, titian, utagawa kuniyoshi, Vittore Carpaccio, William Hogarth, william wegman

 

June 30, 2017 3 Comments

8 Powerful Modern Mexican Artworks

8 Powerful Modern Mexican Artworks - PIN

Inside: This group of Modern Mexican artwork will inspire you with emotion, depth, and storytelling. Explore these top Mexican artists as well as new artists you may not know!

8 Powerful Modern Mexican Artworks - PINI don’t know how much art is worth be caught outdoors in an epic torrential rain miles from the car with two crying children, but I think I found some that made it worth it.

top mexican artists

A few weeks ago, my family and I visited the México 1900-1950 exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, and it was INCREDIBLE! The exhibit from Mexico City only has one stop in the U.S. and is in Dallas until July 16, 2017.

top mexican artists

A highlight of the exhibit was of course The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo. I’ve spent lots of time with this Mexican artwork with students but have never seen it in person. I finally got a good close-up of the Diego in her hand! See my post about The Two Fridas here for some interactive activities include a free printable worksheet!

Mexican artwork

In addition to The Two Fridas, every artwork in that exhibit was incredible! If you have a chance to visit Dallas to see the exhibit before July 16, I highly recommend it!  The raw, emotional, and powerful art in the exhibit was breathtaking. Here are some of my favorite Mexican artworks.

David Alfaro Siqueiros, Self-Portrait (The Great Colonel), 1945

top mexican artists David Alfaro Siqueiros, Self-Portrait, 1945
David Alfaro Siqueiros, Self-Portrait (The Great Colonel), 1945

I love this Mexican artwork so much I can’t even stand it. I’ve never seen anything like it. The distorted shoulder, the intense perspective, the texture on those crazy nails, the tenebrism and chiaroscuro. Ahhhh so good. I took a close-up shot of the fingernails so you could see the texture. Amazing.

contemporary mexican artists David Alfaro Siqueiros, Self-Portrait, 1945 detail
David Alfaro Siqueiros, Self-Portrait, 1945 (detail)

Siquieros was a revolutionary and painted highly charged murals and paintings that were meant to make you feel and act. In just a self-portrait, he manages to make you feel disturbed and intrigued.

Ramón Alva de la Canal, Nobody’s Café, 1930

 mexican art paintings Ramon Alva de la Canal, Nobody's Cafe, 1930
Ramón Alva de la Canal, Nobody’s Café, 1930

I’m actually not crazy about Cubism. I see its place in the world. I understand how totally revolutionary it was, but for me, I like art to have a little more punch and meaning to it. That’s why I was delighted to see this work by de la Canal. It has classic Cubist components, but it has such a cool life and energy. This would be a fun one to teach along with Picasso’s Three Musicians and forgive me but maybe a little Dogs Playing Poker (haha!). The elements of art and principles of design in this one are fun to analyze and study. The repetition, the contrast in textures, and the directional lines that guide your eye around the painting would be great to study with students.

Germán Cueto, Mask I, 1924

 mexican art paintings German Cueto, Mask I, 1924
Germán Cueto, Mask I, 1924

This Mexican artwork to me stood out not only because it just looks totally awesome but because it looks to me like something straight out of the modern avant-garde art of the early 1900s in Europe. Had it not been in the exhibit, I would have guessed it was from a Spanish artist like Picasso or Juan Gris. After some research, I see that German Cueto did spend five years in Europe where he was influenced by such artists. When he came back to Mexico and participated in the flurry of artworks coming after the Mexican Revolution, he stuck with this European influence even though others were painting and sculpting in a more distinct Mexican style (ie. the muralists). Cueto has the distinction of being known as the first Mexican abstract artist.

This artwork and his other in the exhibit are bold and colorful and just super fun to look at. I can see this artwork inspiring a paper sculpture lesson!

Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl, Nahui Olin, c. 1922

mexican art paintings Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl, Nahui Olin, c. 1922 Mexican artwork
Gerardo Murillo, Dr. Atl, Nahui Olin, c. 1922

The haunting portraits of and by Nahui Olin were introduced to me by the exhibit, and I needed to know more so I came home and researched. Carmen Mondragón, aka Nahui Olin, was an artist and model in the early 1900s. She traveled to Europe where she met many of the famous Modern artists. Both her and her husband began to paint. When she returned to Mexico, she split with her husband and become a key member of the art scene in Mexico. Not only did she paint and write poems, but she was a model for many many other artists including Diego Rivera. She had a love affair with Gerardo Murillo aka Dr. Atl, and he gave her the nickname Nahui Olin which is after an Aztec symbolic word for earthquakes.

You can see that earth-shaking quality in her paintings and the paintings of her in the exhibit. In her self-portrait in the exhibit, she depicts herself with oversized green eyes, and Dr. Atl showed her intense eyes in his two portraits of her from the exhibit as well. I chose this painting as my favorite of the three, but I’d love to continue my study of Nahui Olin for a future blog post. She sounds like an amazing character!

Frida Kahlo, Double Portrait of Diego and Me, 1944

contemporary mexican artists Frida Kahlo, Double Portrait of Diego and Me, 1944
Frida Kahlo, Double Portrait of Diego and Me, 1944

I love this special little artwork by Frida. Maybe because I am just off a beach vacation with my kiddos who loved hunting for shells, but the charm of the seashells really get me. Frida’s art is always so thought-provoking and interesting, and this is so different that it adds another dimension to this complex and fascinating artist.

Frida has always said she paints for herself. This to me looks like something she made purely for herself and her husband, perhaps for an anniversary or for a gift. If you look at the shells on the top, it has the names of Diego and Frida as well as 1929, the year they first married, and 1944, the year this Mexican artwork was made. It’s lovely and delightful.

Francisco Goitia, Tata Jesucristo, c. 1925-27

mexican art paintings Francisco Goitia, Tata Jesucristo, c. 1925-27
Francisco Goitia, Tata Jesucristo, c. 1925-27

This painting drew my attention immediately. Early in the exhibit, there were many artworks related to the Mexican Revolution which was a long struggle from 1910-20 to end the dictatorship in Mexico leading to the constitutional republic it is today. Artists responded to the war in a variety of ways from patriotic to hopeful to capturing the devastation of war. This artwork is one of the latter. The personal grief of these two women struck me in a way similar to my experience with Guernica. There is nothing like art to show us truth and emotion.

Francisco Arturo Marín, Mourning for Zapata, 1957

Francisco Arturo Marin, Mourning for Zapata, 1957
Francisco Arturo Marín, Mourning for Zapata, 1957

Mexican artwork Francisco Arturo Marin, Mourning for Zapata 2
Francisco Arturo Marín, Mourning for Zapata, 1957

What a powerful and emotional sculpture. This is another Mexican artwork that really caught the attention of my kids. This bronze sculpture depicts four men and two women carrying the dead body of Zapata, a leader during the Mexican Revolution who was assassinated in 1919. All of the figures in the sculpture, minus Zapata, are wallowing in their grief. I noticed that the group on the left were more subdued and internal with their grief while those on the right are more obvious and clearly vocal about it. It’s interesting to see the differences in each character. It reminds me a lot of the emotional aspects of the Burghers of Callais by Rodin—how each person in the group handles the news in such a different way.

Abraham Ángel, Cadet, 1923

contemporary mexican artists Abraham Angel, Cadet, 1923
Abraham Ángel, Cadet, 1923

I fell in love with this painting because of its creepy-cool quality and intrigue. This artist also painted the one at the top of this post with my daughters looking at it. After doing some research, I am sad to learn that this artist only lived to be 19 years old. He got kicked out of his house by his brother at age 16 for wanting to be an artist. He then studied and had a tumultuous affair with one of his art teachers (Manuel Rodríguez Lozano). When Lozano left him for another young artist, Angel took his own life with a drug overdose. Only 30 of his artworks remain, and all that I can find have such an exciting and distinct style. It’s sad to think where he would have taken his art had lived longer.

Side note: I am an infamous museum conversation spy. I love overhearing conversations about art, and at the DMA in the exhibit, I was delighted to hear a woman discussing this Mexican artwork with a special needs child. She asked him questions about the elements and principles of art such as negative space and complementary color.

For more resources from this Mexican artwork exhibit, check out Mexican painting and the American Dream as well as the Rosa Rolanda Jigsaw art learning activity.

Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: abraham angel, david alfaro siqueiros, dr. atl, francisco arturo marín, francisco goitia, frida kahlo, germán cueto, ramón alva de la canal

 

September 21, 2016 3 Comments

The Two Fridas – Art Discussion Lesson

The Two Fridas main image 700x1000

During the first week of school, three teachers and administrators at my new school told me, “All of the middle school hated art and music last year. All of them.” And, they didn’t just hate it, they LOATHED it. Let me tell you, that gave me a great confidence boost to start the new school year. Yikes.

I think the students hated it for a variety of reasons – from it being treated like a core class at the school (you can FAIL ART?!) to a lack of resources for the former teacher (no projector, no sink, tiny art prints, no real classroom). I had to come in with a strong plan to change these students’ minds from Day One!

In addition to all of the procedure practice and syllabus blah blah blah, we’re going to start talking and thinking about art!

The Two Fridas main image 700x1000

We started with The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo. On one side of the paper, I had them write two observations about the first Frida and on the other half of the paper, they wrote two observations about the second Frida. After going over (and practicing) behavior expectations and procedures for group work and for discussions, I led a full class discussion on this artwork. They ate this painting up, and we ended up spending most of a class period dissecting it!

Free Worksheet!

The Two Fridas – Art Discussion Lesson

The Two Fridas, like much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your students’ art interpretation skills through a classroom discussion.

Download

Free Worksheet!

The Two Fridas – Art Discussion Lesson

The Two Fridas, like much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your students’ art interpretation skills through a classroom discussion.

The Two Fridas, like much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your art interpretation skills. Her paintings are so personal, so real, and so cool. I don’t want you to read anything below until you have clicked the link and looked at the painting on your own (the same goes for your high schooler). Go through these discussion questions and think about it first. Promise?

The Two Fridas, Frida Kahlo, 1939
The Two Fridas, Frida Kahlo, 1939

Questions to ask:

  • What’s going on in this painting? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • Who are these women? What is their relationship?
  • How are they dressed? Why are they dressed that way?
  • How are the two women the same? How are they different?
  • What is different about the two hearts? What do you think that means?
  • What is she holding (look at the close-up shots in this link, scrolling down the page)? Why is she holding that? Why is she using that tool?
  • What do the blood, veins, and heart symbolize?
  • What emotions are present in this artwork? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • How does her use of color contribute to the feeling of the painting?
  • What do you think this artist is trying to say here … What is the meaning or message?

I’m hesitant to give you any information about this because your ideas are just as important as the “real meaning.” But I’ll share a bit to whet your appetite. Did you keep your promise and look/think first? I’m trusting you. Okay, this painting shows two elements of the artist and her mixed ancestry. One side displays her father’s German-Jewish descent, and the other side illustrates her mother’s Mexican roots.

The real story shows her tumultuous relationship with the famous Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. This link has a great roll-over activity showing key elements of the painting and highlights some of the elements of her relationship with Diego.

frida-kahlo-dialogue

After the discussion, I had some of the students in their groups (3 at a table) come up with a few lines of imagined dialogue between the two Fridas. I really enjoyed having the students act out their lines of dialogue. Overall, this was such a fun lesson for both me and my new students.

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The Two Fridas – Art Discussion Lesson

The Two Fridas, like much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your students’ art interpretation skills through a classroom discussion.

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Free Worksheet!

The Two Fridas – Art Discussion Lesson

The Two Fridas, like much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your students’ art interpretation skills through a classroom discussion.

Mentioned on the Art Class Curator Podcast…

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Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: best of art class curator, frida kahlo

 

August 24, 2015 2 Comments

10 Artworks Perfect for an Art Criticism Lesson

Artworks for Stimulating Discussion

Through my many years of teaching, I’ve accumulated a nice list of artworks that are perfect to discuss with students and teach them how to analyze art. These artworks spark lots of interesting ideas, have easy to notice design choices that contribute to the meaning and always lead to a great art criticism discussion (or a great student-written essay) with the students.

Artworks for Stimulating Discussion

These artworks are great for high school and college students, but many work for elementary and middle as well. You can use your judgment to decide what works best for your students.

The Four Steps of Art Criticism Lesson Plan

I created this list for my lesson on the art criticism steps available for sale. The Four Steps of Art Criticism lesson teaches students how to analyze art through the art criticism steps of description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. This resource includes a lesson outline (pdf), a PowerPoint, a written assignment instructions handout (pdf and editable .doc), a quiz (pdf and editable .doc), and a list of artworks including (but not limited to) the ones below. Buy it now for $14, and use it in your classroom tomorrow!

The Four Steps of Art Criticism Lesson Plan

This lesson covers the four steps of art criticism using artworks. Explore description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation with your students using engaging activities and examples.

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Ten Artworks Perfect for Art Criticism with Students

Most of these are not in the public domain. I have included small thumbnails for your reference. Click the picture to view a larger image.

Marc Chagall, Young Girl in Pursuit, ca. 1927-28

Marc Chagall, Young Girl in Pursuit, ca. 1927-28
Marc Chagall, Young Girl in Pursuit, ca. 1927-28

This one is so simple and straight-forward, but it always sparks the imagination of the students.

Questions to Ask: How does this artwork make you feel? What choices does the artist make to make you feel that? Who is this woman? Why is there a woman in her hair? What is the meaning of this artwork?

Salvador Dalí, Persistence of Memory, 1931

Salvador Dalí, Persistence of Memory, 1931
Salvador Dalí, Persistence of Memory, 1931

Everyone knows this one. I read some study one time that said Salvador Dalí was the most recognized artist name among people interviewed on the street. I found that to be fascinating. From the melting clocks to the sleeping head, to the ants crawling all over the pocket watch, to is that a snake coming out of his nose?, this one has a lot for students to unpack.

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John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1963

John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1997
John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1997

I wrote more about this one on the post: 5 Artworks to Intrigue your High Schooler.

Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939

Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939
Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939

This one is also on 5 Artworks to Intrigue your High Schooler. Read more there. 🙂

Edvard Munch, Separation, 1896

Edvard Munch, Separation, 1896
Edvard Munch, Separation, 1896

Students love coming up with stories about this one. He is having a heart attack, and the woman is an angel taking him away. The woman is the ghost of his wife who has passed. And more, lots of great stories. The artist’s use of line, color, and contrast adds meaning to the student’s interpretations.

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Luis Felipe Noé, Cerrado por brujería [Closed by Sorcery], 1963

Luis Felipe Noé, Cerrado por brujería [Closed by Sorcery], 1963
Luis Felipe Noé, Cerrado por brujería [Closed by Sorcery], 1963


This is one of my all time top artworks to discuss with students. I usually show it on the first day of class in my community college art appreciation class. I wrote a whole post about it here.

Pablo Picasso, Girl before a Mirror, 1932

Pablo Picasso, Girl Before a Mirror, 1932
Pablo Picasso, Girl Before a Mirror, 1932

This painting made me weep when I saw it the first time. It’s stunning in person. Read more about it on 5 Artworks that Promote Introspection. This is a great one to have students write about at the beginning of class.

Lawrence Beall Smith, Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them, 1942

Lawrence Beall Smith, Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them, 1942
Lawrence Beall Smith, Don’t Let That Shadow Touch Them, 1942

I love connecting history and art. I include this piece of propaganda art on one of my tests for students to write about. You would be surprised how many students don’t recognize the swastika. In addition to discussing the power images have on our feelings and decision, the historical significance of the image is an important discussion to have with the students.

George Tooker, The Subway, 1950

George Tooker, The Subway, 1950
George Tooker, The Subway, 1950

Creepy, suspicious men and multiple perspectives make this one a fun one to talk about with students. The lone, solitary woman with the concerned expression makes us think, and why is she holding her stomach? Lots to talk about.

Kara Walker, Darkytown Rebellion, 2001

Kara Walker, Darkytown Rebellion, 2001
Kara Walker, Darkytown Rebellion, 2001

This one has some sensitive subject matter. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this for a college class, but only you can decide if it works for your students. I actually got in an argument with one of my friends in front of one of Kara Walker’s artworks like this one. I love art that sparks opinion and discussion. I don’t shy away from big topics in my classroom. Art opens up important dialogues, so I think it is important to let those happen in the classroom. After students look and figure out what is going on through art criticism, we discuss the element of the projection and how the viewer can become a part of the art by standing in between the light and the wall. It leads to some interesting thoughts.

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Find the full lesson from this post along with hundreds of other art teaching resources and trainings in the Curated Connections Library. Click here for more information about how to join or enter your email below for a free Artwork of the Week lesson from the membership!

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This Lesson is in The Curated Connections Library!

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Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: best of art class curator, edvard munch, frida kahlo, george tooker, john feodorov, kara walker, lawrence beall smith, luis felipe noe, marc chagall, pablo picasso, salvador dali

 

May 6, 2015 3 Comments

The Best Examples of Balance in Art: Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, and Radial

Continuing on with The Elements and Principles of Art series, this article focuses on good examples of balance in art. These examples and definitions are dividing into the different types of balance in art: symmetrical balance in art, asymmetrical balance in art, and radial balance in art.

I will add to this examples of balance in art list when I find more, so this is a good one to pin or bookmark! The horizontal picture collages do not have all the pictures from the categories.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack


This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Free Resource!

Elements & Principles Printable Pack

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

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Free Resource!

Elements & Principles Printable Pack

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

What does balance mean in art?

Balance in art is just what is sounds like; it is the sense of stability in a work of art. To create balance in art, artists combine the visual components to ensure that one part of the artwork doesn’t completely overshadow the rest. Each choice made by the artist is a deliberate one in order to ensure equilibrium and balance in the art. Artists create this pleasing effect using the different types of balance in art listed below.

Symmetrical Balance in Art Examples

Symmetrical Balance in Art Examples

What is symmetrical balance in art? Symmetrical balance in art is when each half of the artwork is identical or very similar. Draw a line through the artwork and compare each side.

  • Cimabue, Santa Trinita Madonna, 1280-90
  • Pietro Perugino, Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter, 1481–1482
  • American 19th Century, Cutout of Animals, second quarter 19th century
  • Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait, 1940
  • Chokwe people, African, Chibinda Ilunga, mid-19th century
  • Naum Gabo, Untitled sculpture in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 1957
  • Georgia O’Keefe, Oriental Poppies, 1928
  • Diego Rivera, Flower Day, 1925
  • Ancient Greece, The Parthenon, 447-438 B.C.E.
  • Tapirapé, Cara Grande feather mask, c. 1960
  • Japan, Portrait sculpture of a Zen priest, 14th–15th century
  • M.C. Escher, many
  • Francis Bacon, Figure with Meat, 1909-92
  • Salvador Dalì, Mae West Lips Sofa, 1938

Asymmetrical Balance in Art Examples

Asymmetrical Balance in Art Examples

What is asymmetrical balance in art? Asymmetrical balance in art is when each half is different but has equal visual weight. The artwork is still balanced. For example, in the Caravaggio (the picture in the right in the collage), the three men are balanced with Jesus on the left. Jesus is facing forward and in brighter light which balances out the three men in shadow.

  • James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother known as “Whistler’s Mother,” 1871
  • Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601-02
  • Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884
  • Edgar Degas, The Rehearsal, 1877
  • Edgar Degas, Dancers Practicing at the Barre, 1876-77
  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David, 1623
  • Alexander Calder, Mobile, 1942
  • Yinka Shonibare, Dysfunctional Family, 1999
  • Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, c. 1829-32
  • Paul Strand, Abstraction, Twin Lakes, Connecticut, 1916
  • Ikebana, various
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889
  • Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1785
  • Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942

 Examples of Balance in Art - Radial Balance in Art ExamplesRadial Balance in Art Examples

What is radial balance in art? Radial balance in art is when there are equal parts that radiate out from the center. Think of it like pieces of pie. You will find in the examples of balance in art here that there can be many equal pieces–from 3 in the Charles II Charger to 16 in the Gothic Rose window!

  • Gothic Rose Windows
  • England, 17th century, Charger of Charles II in the Boscobel Oak, c. 1685
  • M.C. Escher, many
  • Mandalas, many
  • Melozzo da Forlì, St. Mark’s Sacristy, 1480s

The Art Curator for Kids - Examples of Balance in Art - Off-Balance ExamplesOff-Balance or Unbalanced Artworks (kind of)

It’s hard to find artworks that are unbalanced by well-known artists. These teeter on the edge between asymmetrically-balanced and unbalanced. It’s up for debate and would be a great discussion with your students!

  • Edgar Degas, Race Horses, 1885-1888
  • Paul Cezanne, Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primroses, c. 1890
  • Precolumbian, Presentation of Captives to a Maya Ruler, A.D. 785
  • John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo, 1882
  • Juan Sánchez Cotán, Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber, 1602
  • Judith Leyster, A Boy and Girl with a Cat and an Eel, c. 1635
  • Paulus Potter, The Bull, 1647
  • Harmen Steenwyck, Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life, c. 1640

Do you have great examples of balance in art? Share them with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

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There you have it! The best examples of balance in art for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.



The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: alexander calder, caravaggio, cimabue, diego rivera, edgar degas, edward hopper, francis bacon, frida kahlo, georges seurat, georgia o'keeffe, gian lorenzo bernini, harmen steenwyck, jacques-louis david, james whistler, john singer sargent, juan sánchez cotán, judith leyster, leonardo da vinci, m.c. escher, naum gabo, paul cezanne, paul strand, paulus potter, pietro perugino, salvador dali, vincent van gogh, yinka shonibare

 

May 4, 2015 5 Comments

5 Artworks to Intrigue Your High Schooler

The Art Curator for Kids - 5 Artworks to Intrigue your High Schooler

Welcome back to my series where I curate groups of paintings around themes for use with your students. Each post, I will pick 5 artworks that you could start discussing today in your homeschool or classroom.

Also, check out this post on how to look at art with kids for tips on discussion artworks.

Note about the images in this series: Because of copyright law, I cannot include pictures of all the works discussed. Instead, I have included low-quality thumbnails for reference and commentary. For full versions of those works protected under the law, please click the link or picture to find the image. I couldn’t bear leaving them off the list just because I couldn’t post a pic! Also, click on the pictures to get a bigger copy to see all the details.

Free Poster

What Do Kids Learn from Looking at Art Poster

Our students learn so much from looking at art. Use this poster in your classroom to remind them of all the skills they’re growing!

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Free Poster

What Do Kids Learn from Looking at Art Poster

Our students learn so much from looking at art. Use this poster in your classroom to remind them of all the skills they’re growing!

In this post, I selected artworks good for all ages. This time, I am focused on captivating the older set. I picked some works that are interesting, quirky, and sure to capture the imagination of your high school students. Let’s get started!

1. Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939


The Two Fridas, as well as much of the work of Frida Kahlo, is a great painting on which to practice your art interpretation skills. Her paintings are so personal, so real, and so cool. I don’t want you to read anything below until you have clicked the link and looked at the painting on your own (the same goes for your high schooler). Go through these discussion questions and think about it first. Promise?

Frida Kahlo, Two Fridas, 1939, click image to enlarge
Frida Kahlo, Two Fridas, 1939, click image to enlarge
Questions to ask: What’s going on in this painting? What do you see that makes you say that? Who are these women? What is their relationship? How are they dressed? Why are they dressed that way? How are the two women the same? How are they different? What is different about the hearts? What do you think that means? What is she holding (see the close-up shots in the link provided)? Why is she holding that? Why is she using scissors? What do the blood, veins, and heart symbolize? What emotions are present in this artwork? What do you see that makes you say that? How does her use of color contribute to the feeling of the painting? What do you think this artist is trying to say here; what is the meaning or message?

I’m hesitant to give you any information about this because your ideas are just as important as the “real meaning.” I’ll give you a bit to whet your appetite. Did you keep your promise and look/think first? I’m trusting you. Okay, this painting shows two elements of the artist and her mixed ancestry. One side displays her father’s German-Jewish descent, and the other side illustrates her mother’s Mexican roots. The real story shows her tumultuous relationship with the famous Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. This link has a great roll-over activity showing key elements of the painting and highlights some of the elements of her relationship with Diego.

2. John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1997


I hate linking to an “unofficial” source, but this link has the full image. I’m not sure why it is cropped in all the official sources.

John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1997
John Feodorov, Animal Spirit Channeling Device for the Contemporary Shaman, 1997
Questions to ask: What is this? Describe what you see. What elements do you recognize? What to the feathers, bells, and animal fur remind you of? Why? What is the artist saying by putting those objects with a child’s toy? What is the meaning or message? What does the artwork say about contemporary culture? How does the title contribute to your understanding of the meaning?


Remember, your interpretation is just as valid as mine or the artists. Hopefully, when you ask your child about the feathers, bells, fur, and “shaman” in the title, they are reminded of American Indians, but if they don’t get there on their own, you might consider nudging them in that direction. This artwork has lots of connections to mass production in contemporary culture, convenience replacing meaning, cultural assimilation, etc.

This is what the artist had to say about it.

“Western culture likes to castrate the powerful, maybe because it doesn’t want to be less powerful than something else, that maybe it has to bring everything down to a level where…well, maybe it’s capitalism really, to where it’s a product, to where it’s something that can be controlled by purchase, controlled by owning it and by owning, even in art.”
– John Feodorov (source)

3. Nkisi Nkondi power figures made by the Kongo people of Western Africa

Nkisi Nkondi, Congo, c. 1880-1920
Nkisi Nkondi, Congo, c. 1880-1920, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA

Oh, the emotions of an adolescent! Sometimes you need to take a nail and hammer the crap out of it to get your feelings out. That’s kind of what’s happening here.

Questions to ask: Describe this sculpture including the facial expressions and pose. Mimic the facial expression and pose with your body. How does it feel? What emotions are present (both the emotion projected and the emotion of you, the viewer)? What is the significance of the opening in the stomach and the open mouth? What is the purpose of all of the nails in the sculpture? What do you see that makes you say that? Were the nails placed in by the artist or someone else? Why do you think that? Were the nails placed all at the same time or over a period of time? How do you think this sculpture was used by the people who made it? What was its function? Was this intended to be a work of art or not? Why do you think that?


The word nkondi comes from the word “to hunt.” The nkondi is a hunter–hunting down and attacking wrong-doers and enemies (wikipedia). This type of sculpture was used as a healer, protector, hunter, and provider of justice for the Kongo people. There were often holes in the stomach and mouth where medicine bundles were placed to give the sculpture its power. The nails hammered into the sculpture activate the powers and send the sculpture to perform his duty. Mirrors often covered the stomach hole and eyes to connect to a spiritual realm and provide a window to spy on the wrong-doers.

Check out this link for more great information about this type of sculpture. There are many many more sculptures like this. A Google image search for nkisi nkondi will give you lots of choices. Try compare and contrasting the works together for another great looking exercise.

4. Henry Fuseli, The Nightmare, 1781

Honestly, I’m not sure this needs any explanation at all. It’s just one of those artworks that always gets a “whoa!” reaction from anyone who sees it. I’m going to let you think about how to talk about this one on our own with your students. Share initial reactions, theorize about the meaning, and discuss the choices the artist made to intensify the meaning.

Henry Fuseli, The Nightmare, 1781, Detroit Institute of Arts
Henry Fuseli, The Nightmare, 1781, Detroit Institute of Arts


This painting is from the Romantic period in the art of the late 18th century and early 19th centuries. Don’t be fooled by the name, this art period is not about love and kisses and roses. Romantic artists were out to shock and engage the viewer with powerful imagery and emotions, explore elements of the subconscious, connect with other art forms (especially literature), captivate with exotic tales and locations, and mesmerize with the awe and power of nature. This painting sums all that up in one quirky and disturbingly delicious package; don’t you think?

5. Hugo Ball’s Sound Poetry, Karawane, 1916

Hugo Ball in cubist costume performing Karawane, 1916
Hugo Ball in cubist costume performing Karawane, 1916
“If you have serious ideas about life, If you make artistic discoveries and if all of a sudden your head begins to crackle with laughter, If you find all your ideas useless and ridiculous, know that IT IS DADA BEGINNING TO SPEAK TO YOU” Paris January 12, 1921 E. Varèse, Tr. Tzara, Ph. Soupault, Soubeyran, J. Rigaut, G. Ribemont-Dessaignes, M. Ray, F. Picabia, B. Péret, C. Pausaers, R.Hülsenbeeks, J. Evola, M. Ernst, P. Eluard, Suz. Duchamp, M. Duchamp, Crotti, G. Cantarelli, Marg. Buffet, Gab. Buffet, a. Breton, Baargeld, Arp., W. C. Arensberg, L. Aragon

This is Hugo Ball. He was a mover and a shaker in a short-lived art movement in the early 20th century called dada. Rumor has it they picked a random word out of the dictionary to name their group (check out the manifestos linked below for more info about what dada means. Spoiler alert: “DADA DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING”). While the movement was short and seemingly silly, it began as a reaction against the horrors of World War I. They valued whimsy, irrationality, shock value, and spontaneity to counteract the serious undertones and themes of politics, war, media, language, civil rights, and technology. These artists tested the limits of art by integrating visual art, public gatherings and demonstrations, theatre, poetry, and even just pure sounds. That’s what is happening here with Hugo Ball’s Karawane. He put on this awesome costume and read his poem of nonsensical sounds and words in a cafe. I can’t find a recording of him doing it, but poets.org has a great audio recording of someone giving it a go.

Where do you begin talking about this one with your students? Let them take the lead. They probably are more comfortable with the silly of this than you are. In the past, I’ve made my college students create dada performances in class inspired by the Dada Manifesto by Tristan Tzara and the Dada Manifesto by Hugo Ball. It is great, creative fun. Your high schooler will kind of hate you for making you do it, but it’s fun to torture them a little sometimes; am I right?


Side note:
Although it started as an anti-war movement in Europe, once it hit America it became more about anti-art and questioning the value and purpose of art. Check out this “Ready-made” (That’s a fancy way of saying urinal.) by Marcel Duchamp to see where that went. Is art the idea, or is art the final product?

Dada. Dada, dada. Da. Da.

Thanks for reading! See more art-related posts on Art Class Curator. Which of these artworks did you like the most? Let me know in the comments if you tried out any of these artworks with your kids! What other artworks intrigue your older kids?

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Get the Full Lesson!

This Lesson is in The Curated Connections Library!

Find the full lesson from this post along with hundreds of other art teaching resources and trainings in the Curated Connections Library. Click here for more information about how to join or enter your email below for a free Artwork of the Week lesson from the membership!

This was originally posted on April 14, 2014.

Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: frida kahlo, henry fuseli, hugo ball, john feodorov, marcel duchamp

 

April 10, 2015 13 Comments

Best Artist Books and Movies for Kids and Adults

The Art Curator for Kids - Children's Books about the Lives of the Artists - Artist Books for Kids

Although I don’t think it is necessary to study the lives of individual artist to enjoy and connect with their artwork, hearing stories about artists can make their art come alive in new and exciting ways.

Several months ago, I received a message from a reader. This is what she said.

My number one struggle in teaching art to my kids is making artists come alive. I really want them to grasp art from cave drawings to modern art. To help them understand that there is a person behind each piece that has lived through struggles and joys. I want them to understand that art is an expression of the soul creating it.

~Tee from Wisteria and Worms

I love her statement here, because art is about people and connecting with people. When you are moved by a work of art, you are moved because of the person behind that artwork and what they were thinking and feeling. I believe art becomes more powerful when you recognize that truth.

I will never forget reading The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo. I read it before I studied abroad in Italy in college. After reading that book, I felt like I intimately knew both Michelangelo and where he lived, Florence, Italy. Going to Florence after reading that book was a magical experience for me.

Here are my favorite biographical novels, movies, and children’s books for both kids AND adults!

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Books about Artists for Kids

The Art Curator for Kids - Children's Books about the Lives of the Artists - Artist Books for Kids

  • Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter
  • Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
  • Uncle Andy’s by James Warhola
  • Frida by Jonah Winter
  • Diego by Jonah Winter
  • My Name Is Georgia by Jeanette Winter
  • The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel

Laurence Anholt’s Books about Artists For Children

This is a great series of books where artists and children meet.

  • Degas and the Little Dancer
  • Cezanne and the Apple Boy
  • The Magical Garden of Claude Monet
  • Leonardo and the Flying Boy
  • van Gogh and the Sunflowers
  • Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail
  • Camille and the Sunflowers
  • Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story
  • Matisse, King of Colour

Movies and Books about Artists for Adults

The Art Curator for Kids - Artist Biographies for Adults, Books and Movies - Michelangelo, van Gogh, Vasari, Artemisia Gentileschi, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock

Books about Artists

  • The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone
  • The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari
  • The Passion of Artemisia: A Novel by Susan Vreeland
  • Lust for Life by Irving Stone

Other Books about Artists

Tracy Chevalier and Susan Vreeland write good books surrounding artists but the historical accuracy isn’t as good, so I didn’t put them in the above list. I also really want to read The Private Lives of the Impressionists, but since I haven’t read it, I didn’t put in on the list. 🙂

Movies

  • Pollock
  • Frida
  • Girl with a Pearl Earring
  • Basquiat
  • Midnight in Paris

 

Filed Under: Downloads and Resources
Tagged With: andy warhol, artemisia gentileschi, basquiat, camille pissarro, diego rivera, edgar degas, frida kahlo, georgia o'keeffe, giorgio vasari, henri matisse, henri rousseau, jackson pollock, leonardo da vinci, marc chagall, michelangelo, pablo picasso, paul cezanne, vincent van gogh

 

January 6, 2015 19 Comments

A Year of Art Appreciation for Kids: 52 Artworks your Child Should Know

I have compiled for you a massive list of artworks for you to look at with your kids this year. I picked one artwork for each week of the year, and I tried to pick the best of the best. If you haven’t been showing art to your kids, this is a great list to start with! Just sit down and talk about a new artwork each week for a few minutes.

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Talk about Art with Your Kids

Here are some posts from Art Class Curator for tips at looking at art with your kids.

  • How to Look at Art with your Children
  • How to Look at Art with Toddlers and Preschoolers
  • Charlotte Mason Picture Study: An Easy Way to Introduce Art to your Kids

Art Appreciation for Kids

Instead of dividing by week, I divided by time period. Regrettably, this list does not include non-western art or contemporary art. For more awesome non-western art, check out my Art Around the World series. Each entry below includes a link to find the picture.

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Ancient to Classical Art

Ancient to Classical Art

  • Prehistoric, Nude Woman (Venus of Willendorf), c. 28,000-25,000 B.C.E (On ACFK, 5 Artworks to Promote Introspection) (Buy replica on Amazon)
  • Sumer, the Standard of Ur, about 2600-2400 B.C.E. (Book about this artwork)
  • The Law Code of Hammurabi, King of Babylon, c. 1750 B.C.E (Book about Hammurabi’s Code)
  • Ancient Egyptian, Palette of King Narmer, c. 3000-2920 B.C.E.
  • Myron (Ancient Greek), Discus-thrower (Discobolus), Roman copy of a bronze original of the 5th century BC (Book about this artwork)
  • Hellenistic Greek, Laocoön and His Sons, early first century C.E.
  • Ancient Roman, Augustus of Primaporta, first century, C.E.
  • Ancient Roman, The Alexander Mosaic, ca. 100 BC (Poster of this artwork)

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Medieval to Renaissance Art

Medieval and Renaissance Art

  • Byzantine, Justinian and his Attendants, Basilica di San Vitale, 547 C.E
  • Gothic, Chartres Cathedral (Book about Chartres)
  • Jan and Hubert van Eyk, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece), 1432 (Book about the Nazi theft of this artwork)
  • Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, 1482-85 (Poster of this artwork)
  • Leonardo da Vinci, Last Supper, 1498 (Print of this artwork on wood)
  • Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sistene Chapel Ceiling, 1508-12 (Jigsaw puzzle of this artwork)
  • Raphael, School of Athens, 1509-11 (Coffee mug of this artwork)
  • Michelangelo Buonarroti, Slaves or Prisoners, ca. 1520-23



the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - 17th-18th Century Art

17th-18th Century Art

  • Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Beheading Holofernes, 1614-20 (On ACFK, Masterpiece Monday) (Novel about the Artist)
  • Gianlorenzo Bernini, Apollo and Daphne, 1622-25 (Replica of this sculpture)
  • Judith Leyster, Self-Portrait, c. 1630
  • Rembrandt, Officers and Men of the Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Wilhelm van Ruytenburgh, known as the Night Watch, 1642 (Canvas print of this artwork)
  • Diego Velázquez, Las Meninas, 1656 (On ACFK, 20 Great Artworks to Look at with Young Kids) (Poster of this artwork)
  • Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, 1767 (Poster of this artwork)
  • Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1785 (Poster of this artwork)

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - 19th Century Art

19th-Century Art

  • Francisco Goya, Third of May, 1808 (Mouse pad of this artwork)
  • Eugène Delacroix, July 28: Liberty Leading the People, 1830 (Poster of this artwork)
  • William Turner, Slave Ship (Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On), 1840 (Poster of this artwork)
  • Claude Monet, Les Nymphéas (The Water Lilies), 1840-1926 (Monet magnets)
  • Jean-François Millet, L’Angélus, c. 1857-1859
  • Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884 (Coffee mug of this artwork)
  • Auguste Rodin, The Burghers of Calais, 1884-95 (Coffee mug of this artwork)
  • Paul Gauguin, Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?, 1897-98
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889 (On ACFK, 5 Exciting Art History Projects for Kids that Made me Say “WOW!”) (Umbrella of this artwork)

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Modern Art

Modern and Contemporary Art

  • Henri Matisse, Harmony in Red/La Desserte, 1908 (Jigsaw puzzle of this artwork)
  • Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1910 (Inflatable Scream Doll)
  • Franz Marc, Fate of the Animals, 1913 (On ACFK, Art Spotlight: Franz Marc’s Fate of the Animals)
  • Marc Chagall, I and the Village, 1911 (On ACFK, 5 Artworks Your Children will Love) (Poster of this artwork)
  • Wassily Kandinsky, Panel for Edwin R. Campbell No. 4, 1914
  • Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory, 1931 (Melting clock)
  • Pablo Picasso, Guernica, 1937 (Jigsaw puzzle of this artwork)
  • Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939 (On ACFK, 5 Artworks to Intrigue Your High Schooler) (Poster of this artwork)
  • Jackson Pollock, One: Number 31, 1950, 1950 (Book about this artwork)
  • Francis Bacon, Study after Velazquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X, 1953 (On ACFK, Art Around the World in 30 Days – Ireland)
  • Andy Warhol, Campbell’s Soup Cans, 1962 (Converse shoes of this artwork)
  • Robert Rauschenberg, Skyway, 1964
  • Andy Goldsworthy, Fall Leaves (On ACFK, 5 Exciting Art History Projects for Kids that Made me Say “WOW!”) (Book about this artist)

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - American

American Art

  • John Singleton Copley, Watson and the Shark, 1778  (On ACFK: Charlotte Mason Picture Study: John Singleton Copley)
  • Thomas Moran, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, 1872 (Jigsaw puzzle of this artwork)
  • John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo, 1882 (Poster of this artwork)
  • Frederic Remington, A Dash for the Timber, 1889 (Poster of this artwork)
  • Grant Wood, American Gothic, 1930 (Children’s book about this artist)
  • Jacob Lawrence, The Migration Series, 1940-41 (Children’s book about this series)
  • Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942 (Poster of this artwork)

Whew! This is quite a list. It was hard to choose, and I know I left out some great artworks. Keep reading on Art Class Curator to learn more about teaching art to kids.

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Filed Under: Art Appreciation Activities
Tagged With: andy goldsworthy, andy warhol, artemisia gentileschi, auguste rodin, claude monet, diego velazquez, edvard munch, edward hopper, eugene delacroix, francis bacon, francisco goya, franz marc, frederic remington, frida kahlo, georges seurat, gian lorenzo bernini, grant wood, henri matisse, jackson pollock, jacob lawrence, jacques-louis david, jan van eyck, jean-francois millet, jean-honore fragonard, john singer sargent, john singleton copley, judith leyster, leonardo da vinci, marc chagall, michelangelo, pablo picasso, paul gauguin, raphael, rembrandt, robert rauschenberg, salvador dali, sandro botticelli, thomas moran, vincent van gogh, wassily kandinsky, william turner

 

November 3, 2014 Leave a Comment

Art Around the World in 30 Days – Day #3 – Mexico

Hola! Today Masterpiece Monday and Art Around the World collide into an action-packed post about a super cool work of art. Okay, maybe not action-packed, but the artwork is super awesome. I gave you a hint yesterday that an awesome unibrow would come into play today. Did you guess the artist correctly?

The Art Curator for Kids - Art Around the World - Mexico - Frida Kahlo, The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico)-np

The Art Curator for Kids - Art Around the World - Mexico - Frida Kahlo, The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Myself, Diego, and Señor Xólotl, 1949
Frida Kahlo, The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Myself, Diego, and Señor Xólotl, 1949

If you guessed Frida Kahlo, you are exactly right. I am so sorry for that annoying question mark on my feature image. I wasn’t trying for click bait or anything, I just don’t have the rights to the image. I think I qualify for fair use, but just to be sure, I am only including small, low quality images of artworks that were made after 1923. So, here you go. This is the artwork we are talking about today–The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Myself, Diego, and Señor Xólotl by Frida Kahlo. To see it larger, click here or on the picture to get a nice big view. Then, come back and think more about it.

I’m usually hesitant to give a lot of information about the artworks on here, because I really want you and your kids to think of your own interpretations. Here are a couple bits of information to help guide your own interpretations of this piece.

  • “I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you.” -- Frida KahloFrida Kahlo is a painter from Mexico. She contracted polio when she was young and then was seriously injured in a bus accident at a young age, so she spent most of her life in pain  (You can watch this amazing movie about her life, Frida starring Selma Hayek. It’s rated R so this is for you.). She eventually regained the ability to walk, but the accident made her unable to have children.
  • She was married to Diego Rivera, who was also a painter. He was much more famous in their day, and they had a very tumultuous relationship.
  • Xólotl was an Aztec god of lighting, fire, death, sickness, and deformities [Source].

Okay, take those bits of information, look at the painting, and answer the following questions with your students.

Art Discussion Questions

  1. What’s going on in this painting? What do you see that makes you say that?
  2. Who are these characters? What are they doing? Describe the relationship between the characters.
  3. What symbolism do you notice in this artwork? (for example, Why does Diego Rivera have an eye on his forehead? Why is Frida holding a nude Diego?)
  4. What is the meaning or message in this artwork?

Frida Kahlo Art Project

Frida Kahlo, Self Portrait with Cropped Hair, 1940
Frida Kahlo, Self Portrait with Cropped Hair, 1940

You can’t study Frida Kahlo and not do a self-portrait project. You just have to. She includes herself in most of her paintings. She is so skilled at looking at herself, reflecting, using her imagination, tapping into her subconscious, etc. Instead of just doing a self-portrait capturing their physical appearance, have your kiddos put themselves into a story or setting related to who they are and what they hope and dream for their life. Think and talk about symbolism, what (and who) is important in our lives, and how we feel about our world. Put it in the art. Think and play and create.

 

More Awesome Frida Kahlo Stuff

Here is a PBS site, the Life and Times of Frida Kahlo. It has a lot of great info  as well teacher and parent guides. It is a supplement to this DVD of the same name (The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo).

There are sooooo many amazing Frida products. You know you want Frida socks. I was going to pick a couple that work with kids like the children’s books, the coloring book, and the stickers, but I couldn’t resist the magnetic dress-up, the paper dolls, the tattoos, etc. So, so great.

 

 

 

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

The Art Curator for Kids - Frida Kahlo Fun2

Thanks for visiting. Tomorrow, we head to Japan to talk about one of my favorite sculptures ever.

Click here to find more art from around the world, and come back tomorrow for another installment! Remember you can get the whole month of Art Around the World posts as a PDF eBook in the Curated Connections Library.

Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: frida kahlo

 

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