Baroque and Beyond Independent Study

After the Renaissance Western art goes in many different directions. Movements sprouted up in the 1600-1800's that had differing opinions and philosophies about what art is, and the direction it should go. The Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romantic, and Realism movements all had their moments. In this lesson, students choose from a series of themes that are inspired by these movements and create an independent art project that addresses one of the Baroque and Beyond themes.

Themes include: Vivid Emotions/Drama (Baroque), Powerful Forces of Nature (Romantic), Fantasy and Legends (Romantic), Heroes and Virtue (Neoclassical), Ordinary Life and Work (Realism), Beauty and Playfulness (Rococo)

Sgraffito Tile (Ancient Greek Art)

Art from Ancient Greece is often considered the start of "Classical Art". Art of this era emphasizes balance, proportion, and ideal human form. In this lesson, students learn the pivotal role Ancient Greece played in the history of art. After viewing and discussing the pottery of the culture, students create a ceramic tile shaped like a traditional vase shape, or a shape of their choosing. They will use the sgraffito technique to create a unique design. 

Renaissance Reduction Prints

The Renaissance marks a revolution in the art of printmaking, with the invention of the printing press in the 1400's. This not only gave artists a new medium to explore, but made literature more readily available to the people. In this lesson, students build upon their previous experience with printmaking and are encouraged to tap into the experimental nature of the medium. After viewing and discussing the work of famous printmakers both past and present, students create a series of experimental prints including a reduction print.

Impressionist Light Study

The Impressionists were a revolutionary group of artists that painted in the late 1800's. They're paintings are characterized by loose brushstrokes, showing the effects of light, and using bright un-blended color. Claude Monet studied light by painting haystacks in the French countryside at different times of day and different seasons. In this lesson, students will draw a simplified landscape and repeat it 3 times. Each landscape will show a distinctly different time of day.

Van Gogh at My Place

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous and appreciated artists. During his life however, he lived in poverty, and unfortunately never got to enjoy his legacy. He is considered a "Post Impressionist" which was a group of artists who took the ideas of the Impressionists in different directions. Van Gogh is known for thick paint that creates a sense of movement and emotion. In this lesson, students learn about Van Gogh and the Post Impressionists and create a painting of "their place" with a Starry Night twist.

Art nouveau Poster

Art Nouveau is a design movement that took place in the early 1900's. Art from this period was in response to the environmental ravages taking place after the Industrial Revolution. Therefore, the Art is inspired by nature: using natural forms, organic lines, and pattern in most of the work. This is also one of the first times where posters and advertisement are considered Art. In this lesson, students will create either a propaganda, advertisement, motivational, or event poster that stays true to the Art Nouveau style.

Grid Heroes

The grid technique has been used by countless artists since its invention in Ancient Egypt. Artists from Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist, and even contemporary periods have used this technique to achieve life like results. After studying the art from the Baroque era, which has an emphasis on vivid emotion and often depicted heroes from history, students created a grid portrait of a hero.

Radial Text Design

Radial designs have been featured by many societies around the world, including Aboriginal, Native American, European, and Islamic cultures. In this lesson, our learning focuses on the rich tradition of radial design in Islamic cultures. Students will create a name design that is traced multiple times in a reflecting pattern. They will use a color scheme to unify their artwork. 

Layered Landscape

 Landscape art has been practiced by artists since the Greek/Roman frescos and Chinese "Shan Shui" paintings. The tradition of landscape painting continued through the Renaissance and is still practiced today. In this lesson, students discuss the connections between different historical periods and their approach to landscape painting. They will create a "layered landscape" painting that emphasizes different tints and shades of a color.