Project Details
Through exposure to the works of art “masters”, children see examples of how each artist develops a personal style that reflects original ideas. Art helps children become more creative by encouraging them to explore new ideas as a source for their art.
Lesson Plan Ideas
Learning Objectives for Grades: 2-6
Developed by: Children’s Creativity Specialist, Stephie Morton
Students will:
- Learn about the life and work of Alexander Calder.
- Understand the use of visual arts to communicate history and culture.
- Explore a variety of media to create artwork.
- Use their imagination and creativity to develop multiple solutions to problems.
Steps
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Start by creating an art gallery of diverse artists’ works that relate to the circus. I found Chagall circus paintings on line (public domain) and sacrificed an old circus book to display a collection of vintage Barnum and Bailey posters.
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Invite children to choose their favorite circus image in the display and give one reason for their choice. Talk about the design elements in their selections i.e. color, line, etc. Observe aloud how each student has their own preference.
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Introduce the work of Alexander Calder. Discuss his lifelong fascination with the circus and show examples of his circus drawings, paintings, wire sculptures and miniature circus installations. Talk about his unique style.
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Now you’re ready to hand out Art1st® Premium Multi Media Art Paper and permanent markers, and ask children to draw their own idea of a circus. Yes, it can be anything they want as long as it has a circus theme. Challenge them to use the whole page and develop as much detail as possible.
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Offer students the choice to color their finished drawing or not with colored pencil or watercolor. Pacon® Premium Multi Media Art Paper handles any wet or dry medium.
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Inspired by the success of their drawings, students completed large circus paintings the following week. Pacon® Premium Multi Media Art Paper works well for tempera paint too.
Tips:
- Tape the tagboard down to a solid surface.