Painting – Fantasy Genre

Using Color (elements and principles of design)

7th grade
Standards
Anchor standard 1: I can use the Elements and Principles of art to create artwork
Benchmark VA.CR IM.1 – (intermediate Mid) I can analyze and apply the Elements and Principles to
solve a given artistic Challenge.
VA.CR IM.1 – I can explore solutions to an assigned artistic challenge.
Anchor standard 2: I can use different materials, techniques and processes.
Benchmark– (Novice High) I can use and combine materials techniques and processes to make art.
VA.CR NH.2.1 – I can demonstrate various techniques in a given medium.
Anchor standard 5 - I can interpret the value and meaning of an artwork.
VA.R. NH.5 - I can analyze the Elements and Principles of art and explain the components of an artwork
that represent ideas.
VA.R IL.5.2 - I can explain the organization of an artwork using the elements and principles of art.

Big Idea (Theme, Concept, Question, Process or a Problem):

o Students will understand what it means to be creative and the importance of design, creativity
and innovation.
o Students will understand thumbnail sketching as a means to design and develop ideas.
o Students will apply the skills and knowledge they have attained in the creation of an original
“Fantasy” painting. Students will continue their introduction into the Elements and principles of
design with special attention being paid to the element of design “color”. Students will
understand how artist perceive color and use color in artwork.
o Through creation of an original work, students will demonstrate an understanding of color and
the elements and principles of Design studied (Movement, emphasis and unity)

Duration of Unit: 4 class periods 90minutes

Enduring Understandings:
1. Students will gain knowledge of painting techniques and enhance observation skills.
2. Students will retain knowledge of the elements and principles of design studied and will be able
to apply them to create new works of their own.
3. Students will be able to apply new knowledge of the elements and principles of design
when looking at the work of others.
4. Students will become aware of new artists, as well as further their appreciation of art
and design.
5. Students will practice vital creative problem solving skills through a Design process.
Students will brainstorm and develop their ideas.

Essential Questions:
1. How do we perceive color?
2. How is color used effectively in a painting?
3. How does an artist use movement guide viewer’s eyes through an artwork?
4. How does one create emphasis?
5. How does one achieve unity in an artwork?
 6. How do we apply what we have previously learned (during past units) to enhance our
work?
7. Where do artists get ideas?
8. What does it mean to be creative and how do we develop a creative idea?
9. How do we apply our knowledge and skill towards something new and original that has
value? (Creativity)

Evidence of Understandings:
(Performance Tasks and Other Evidences)
Throughout the course of the unit the students will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their
understanding of the elements and principles of design. They will practice various techniques to build their skill
with the medium. They will describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate the work of others, as well as their own
work, using the vocabulary that they have gained. Ultimately, they will design and create an original artwork
that demonstrates an understanding of the Standards addressed. They will reflect on their own work.

Resources:
Numerous art examples as research and for discussion.
Paper
Paints
Brushes,

Vocabulary
(Previously studied: Design, Line, Space, shape, value, texture, Emphasis, and Contrast) Skill, Creativity, Color,
Balance, Movement, Unity, “Thumbnail sketch,” Design Process, Watercolor, Wash, Dry-brushing, “Fantasy,”
Surrealism

Learning Experiences (Learner Plan):

• Lesson Objective
The student will be introduced to new concepts through warm ups and activities. Students will complete
written descriptions, analysis, interpretation and evaluations of artwork through warm up activities.
.
• Student Engagement – day one: We will begin by looking at an artwork and describing what we see.
This will lead into a discussion of “Fantasy” as a Genre in art. The students will be informed of their
design challenge: To create an original fantasy painting. (Define the challenge)
At this point we will look at numerous artworks as a class with the teacher guiding instruction.
(Research)

Day two: The teacher will ask where artists get their ideas leading into a discussion on creativity.
Students will do an activity in which they create drawings from random shapes. (Metaphoric seeing)
Extensions - drawing from clouds or crumpled fabric.

• Initial Activity -The students will begin creating thumbnail sketches for their future painting.
(Developing ideas) They will continue to work on these sketches (also can work at home) for several
days, alternating days practicing painting skills and techniques. Students will apply their design to a
piece of watercolor paper and will work for 8 class periods to create their original painting.
• Closure/Reflection – Students will create a reflection on their artwork in which they will describe,
analyze, interpret and evaluate their own work. A big part of this is discussing any revisions that they
would make. (Even if time or the medium does not allow for revisions)

• Assessment – (See rubric attached)