Students will explore the concept of parody in art by reinterpreting famous paintings or drawings, using humor, satire, or a contemporary lens to transform classical works. Through this project, students will develop technical painting skills, particularly in non-traditional mediums such as window painting, while experimenting with transparency, composition, and color. This project encourages creative thinking and problem-solving as students engage with the challenge of reimagining iconic art in a modern, playful, or thought-provoking way.
Studio art students will work in pairs of 2 (no more than 2). Studio art students must work on a large interior window.
Advanced studio students must work independently. Advanced studio art can use either a large interior window if there are extra left over or a small exterior window on the right side of the room.
Tempera Paint ONLY!
ABSOLUTELY NO ACRYLIC!!!
Wet Erase Markers
A parody in art is a humorous or satirical reinterpretation of an existing artwork, style, or concept. Artists use parody to critique, exaggerate, or reimagine well-known images, often making a statement about society, culture, or the art world itself.
Key Features of Parody in Art:
Humor & Satire: Playfully mocks or exaggerates elements of the original artwork.
Recognizable Source: Often based on a famous painting, sculpture, or artistic style.
Social or Political Commentary: Can highlight issues, trends, or ideas in an entertaining way.
Twists on Meaning: Alters the context, characters, or visual elements to create a new message.
Studio Art: Pick a partner
Choose a famous painting or drawing to parody. Examples include the Mona Lisa, Starry Night, The Persistence of Memory, or The Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Consider how you want to modernize or transform the piece—whether through adding humor, social commentary, or simply a unique perspective.
Using your sketchbook, create a draft of your parody. Be specific with colors and techniques.
Once you have your sketches/plan finalized, you can begin planning your design on the window surface using wet erase markers or dry erase markers.
Depending on the size of the windows, students can either draw directly onto the glass using markers or large paper. If you use large paper, tape it to the back of the window and use it as a guide.
You will begin painting your design directly onto the window with TEMPERA PAINT ONLY!!! Be sure to layer the paint to create depth and interest, taking advantage of the transparency of the window.
Keep in mind the importance of working from light to dark colors and the unique aspects of painting on glass. It will need multiple layers. If the paint is too transparent, add a little bit of white to it. You may even need to dap instead of swipe to get the paint to give you full coverage.
As you work, you should continually step back and assess how your design reads from a distance and adjust as needed.
Keep your original sketch in mind but allow for some flexibility as you encounter the unique challenges of painting on glass.
If you get finished early, work on your art portfolio. If that is finished, work on your first sketchbook assignment.
After you have finished your window, there will be a short class critique where you will share your work and the concept behind your parody.
Discuss how you used humor or satire, how the window medium influenced your work, and what techniques you found effective.
Copy and paste them into your portfolio and answer them thoroughly:
How did painting on the window change the way you approached the artwork?
What was the most challenging part of creating this parody, and how did you overcome it?
How does your work communicate your personal take on the original piece?
In what ways did your understanding of the original artwork evolve through the process of parodying it?
Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:
What did you make?
Why did you make it?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?
Your artist statement can include:
Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)