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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of Impressionism, its key characteristics, and notable artists. They will also create their own impressionistic artwork, applying the techniques learned during the lesson.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper (preferably watercolor or thick art paper)
  • Paints (watercolors or acrylics)
  • Brushes (various sizes)
  • Palette for mixing colors
  • Water cup for rinsing brushes
  • Paper towels or cloth for cleanup
  • Internet access for research (optional)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with key Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and their famous works.

Activities

  • Art Exploration:

    Begin by exploring a few famous Impressionist paintings online. Discuss what makes these works unique. Pay attention to the use of light, color, and brush strokes.

  • Technique Practice:

    Try out different brush techniques that are characteristic of Impressionism, such as short, quick strokes and dabbing. Experiment with mixing colors to see how light affects color perception.

  • Create Your Own Impressionist Painting:

    Using the techniques practiced, create an original piece inspired by Impressionism. Choose a subject like a landscape, a garden, or a scene from daily life.

  • Reflection and Discussion:

    After completing the artwork, reflect on the process. Discuss what you learned about Impressionism and how it felt to create art in this style.

Talking Points

  • "Impressionism is all about capturing a moment in time, often focusing on the effects of light and color."
  • "Key artists like Monet and Renoir wanted to break away from traditional techniques. They painted outdoors to capture natural light."
  • "Notice how Impressionist paintings often look different from up close versus from a distance. This is part of their charm!"
  • "Impressionists used quick brush strokes to convey movement and spontaneity. Can you see how that might change the feeling of a painting?"
  • "Think about how color can express emotion. In Impressionism, colors are often bright and vibrant, which adds to the mood."
  • "Creating art should be fun and experimental! Don’t worry about perfection; focus on expressing your feelings through your work."