Master the Masters: Art Lessons Based on Influential Artists

Each week, we will explore a new influential artist: these will include Matisse, Monet, Chagall, Picasso, and many more. For the first 15 minutes of class, students will learn about the lives of each artist and their art style, and they will discuss their reactions to the artist's body of work. We will cover the artists' country of origin, the influence of the time period they lived in, their contemporaries, and the progression of their body of work. This information will be presented through slides, discussion, and games.  

For the remaining part of class, we will explore multi-media art techniques while creating art pieces inspired by the works of the artist of the week. Students will be given an example piece of work (created beforehand by the instructor) and guided through the process of creating their own work. They will learn art techniques through slides, discussion, and video clips. Each week will use different multi-media materials and techniques, including:
1.  painting using acrylic paint and watercolor
2.  collage using paper, glue, and found items 
3.  drawing using pencil, marker, and crayons 
4.  stamping using cardboard and acrylic paint
5.  3D work using homemade salt dough
(There will be an emphasis on painting and 2D work, as this tend to be everyone's favorite!)

Students will be encouraged to participate in the discussion as much as possible, and to share their opinions about the art pieces and artists we are exploring. As an instructor, I rely on positive feedback and positive student interaction to keep my students engaged and interested.