Peter Max Lesson Plan:

Objective: Use prior knowledge to create a painting using a COLOR

SCHEME in the style of Peter Max.
Objective: To observe flower arrangements, draw from life, and
translate the drawing into a painting using tempera or acrylic paints.
Objective: Students will apply understanding of media, techniques and
processes, reflect on and assess the characteristics and merits of their
work and the work of others. Students will make connections between
visual arts and other disciplines.
Materials:
18X24 paper
pencil
newsprint for sketches
tempera or acrylic paint
oil pastels
brushes, palettes, water containers
Question: What do you think of when you hear about the 60s art? Do
you know of anyone who created art during this period? What was
happening in the 60s?
Intro to Peter Max, his life and works. Show examples of his work and
ask what sort of influences students think were evident in his work.
Vocabulary: analogous,asymmetrical, composition, complementary, flat
color, gradation, layering,space,tint, unity, value, focal point, subject,
style
1. Students will choose from several flower arrangements to draw two
or three gesture style drawings. This style captures the essence of
the object rather than the details. Try to emphasize the surface of the
flowers or their mass rather than their outlines.
2. Use loose drawing technique- the whole arm rather than just the
fingers.
3. Choose one of the compositions to develop into a finished painting
in a style similar to Peter Max. Loose composition, flowing colors, unity
in a COLOR SCHEME. Choose the colors first, then apply paying
attention to composition, focal point, symmetry or asymmetry.

4.Divide background of painting into three areas of color. In the largest

area, a GRADATION using analogous colors is applied. There will be
three colors made by the gradual blending of colors. The second area
should be a flat, cool color (no changes in the color), making a shade
by adding black. Remember that this area will be a strong focal point,
and should be applied with discretion. The third area should be a flat
light color, with a tint made by adding white.
5. After the painting is completed, oil pastels will be used to add linear
details. DO NOT outline the entire shapes- use them only as accent.
Project is two parts: gestural drawings and then painting.
Value: 150 points.