- Preliminary Activities:
- View several prints of Matisse
paintings which contain a still life arrangement featuring pattern(s),
contour lines, and complementary colors (or warm/cool contrasts)
- such as "Open Window". Allow students to identify
and describe each of those elements and where they appear in
the composition. (Some of these may be terms you are introducing,
or this may be a review of terms. This is an opportunity to explore
how some textures create pattern.)
-
- Set out a variety of fruits
among students and discuss the difference between shape and mass.
Demonstrate how one of the fruits translates from mass to shape
through contour lines. Allow students to experiment drawing and
contours of different fruits as they observe them.
-
- Still Life Composition:
- Arrange a still life with varying
heights, colors and textures - use complementary colors when
possible. Remind students of the Matisse still lifes with pattern
in various parts of the composition. Explain that they are going
to create a composition that will include the still life, but
they must also design the background of the composition...which
shall include a wall with pattern, and may have other areas of
pattern as well. (It is a good idea to create a sample to demonstrate
to them as you discuss the assignment).
-
- Demonstrate how to use the Shade
Tex Rubbing Plates (if students have not used them before), using
crayon for color. Suggest different ways to include and create
pattern using the rubbing plates. Then show students how watercolor
resists the crayon and creates interesting contrasts when brushed
over the surface.
-
- Allow students to begin designing
their composition by drawing all or part of the still life in
pencil, reminding them of the contour lines they practiced. Encourage
them to create a window or a picture frame, and to consider other
aspects of the interior as they continue to draw.
-
- Upon completion of the contour
lines, students should use the Rubbing Plates first; then add
solid area of colors with crayon or cray-pas; and finally use
watercolor selectively for the finishing touches - creating warm/color
contrasts and seeking complementary color combinations.
-
- Closure Activity:
- Display the completed artworks,
and allow students to explain their design choices and favorite
aspects of their work. Note how the patterns add richness and
variety to all of the compositions.
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