Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to confidently approach someone and ask if they would like a painting done on a canvas for a price, while understanding the value of their artwork.

Materials and Prep

• Canvas
• Paints
• Paintbrushes
• Palette
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Water cup
• Palette knife (optional)
• Reference images or objects
• Price list template (optional)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with basic painting techniques and pricing strategies for artwork.

Activities

1. Discuss the concept of commissioned artwork and its value. Explain that the student will learn how to approach someone and offer their painting services for a price.
2. Brainstorm potential customers who might be interested in commissioning a painting. Encourage the student to think about friends, family members, local businesses, or community organizations.
3. Practice crafting a polite and professional pitch. Help the student develop a script that introduces themselves, expresses their interest in painting for the person, and mentions the pricing options.
4. Role-play the scenario with the student. Take turns playing the customer and the student, allowing the student to practice their pitch and respond to potential questions or concerns.
5. Encourage the student to create a sample painting on a canvas. Provide guidance on choosing subject matter, composition, and use of colors. Emphasize the importance of showcasing their artistic skills and style.
6. Discuss pricing strategies for artwork. Help the student determine a fair price based on the size of the canvas, complexity of the painting, and their skill level. Consider factors such as time spent, cost of materials, and desired profit.
7. Optional: Have the student create a price list template to present to potential customers. This can include different canvas sizes and corresponding prices.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "Commissioned artwork is when someone hires an artist to create a specific piece of art for them."
• "When approaching someone to offer your painting services, it's important to be polite, professional, and confident."
• "Consider potential customers who might be interested in having a painting done, such as friends, family members, local businesses, or community organizations."
• "Craft a pitch that introduces yourself, expresses your interest in painting for the person, and mentions the pricing options."
• "Practice role-playing the scenario to improve your communication skills and ability to respond to questions or concerns."
• "Create a sample painting on a canvas that showcases your artistic skills and style. Choose subject matter and colors that you enjoy and feel confident painting."
• "When determining the price for your artwork, consider factors such as the size of the canvas, complexity of the painting, time spent, cost of materials, and desired profit."
• "Optional: Create a price list template to present to potential customers, outlining different canvas sizes and corresponding prices."