Intermediate: Grades 7 and 8

Each step-by-step lesson will cover the following curriculum requirements:

Colour Theory/Mixing

Learn the colour wheel and how to recognize and name the primary and secondary colours;
Learn the complementary colours and how to use them in colour mixing (i.e., red/green, orange/blue, yellow/purple);
Identify the intensity of a colour (i.e., how bright or dull a colour is and how to mix bright and dull colours.);
Identify the value of a colour (i.e., distinguish between lighter and darker tones of a colour and learn how to mix them using our three primary colours plus white);

Painting Process/Application:

Use tools, materials, and techniques correctly, selecting those that are appropriate for the size, scope, and intent of the work;
Produce two-dimensional works of art that communicate thoughts and feelings;
Identify characteristics of a variety of lines, and how to create them with a brush and paint;

Picture Concepts and Construction:

Identify the principles of design in the paintings we re-create (emphasis, rhythm, balance, unity, variety, proportion);
Learn to identify the focal point in the painting;
Learn how the elements of design can be used to create symmetrical and asymmetrical balance;

Suggested Paintings
for Step-by-step

Curriculum Connections
Specific Expectations:

Wassily Kandinsky, "Murnau St"

This painting is an excellent example of how artists have used linear perspective in creative and free ways to both give a sense of depth and also be loose and apply it creatively to create interesting patterns. See how this artist has used intense and bright colours and the juxtaposition of complementary colours to create balance and appeal.

Vincent Van Gough, "Sun Flowers"

This beautiful painting by Vincent Van Gough will help students learn the concept of colour intensity. We will also explore use of line and shapes to create rhythm.

Claude Monet , "Poplars"

This beautiful painting by Claude Monet will help students learn the concept of colour complements. We will also explore use of line and shapes to create rhythm.

Wassily Kandinsky , "Fugue"

Kandinsky's beautiful abstract painting will help students learn how colours and shapes can create emotions and movement without having to be representational. This is an excellent piece to explore how the artist created emphasis and how paint elements of design create emotions.

Emily Carr, "Strait of Juan De Fuca"

Emily Carr has created a dynamic landscape full of life and movement. Students will learn about the use of paint application and lines to create these moods.

Albrech Durer, "Praying Hands"

This beautiful drawing by Albrech Durer will help students explore the use of pen and ink in two colours - black and white. They will learn how to use the hatching and cross hatching techniques to give a feeling of depth and light.

Emily Carr, "Raven"

Emily Carr's inspirational painting 'Raven' will help students learn the use of simple shapes and values to create drama and excitement, with emphasis and emotions.

Norval Morrisseau, Traveler in Motion

Morrisseau was a shaman/painter who created beautiful works of art expressing native beliefs about the world and the Creator. Lets' explore how the painter used line and colour to give a sense of dynamic rhythm and a feeling of being connected to the Source.

Pablo Picasso, The Three Dancers

This playful painting captures the height of the expressive cubist phase of Picasso's painting. With this painting, students will explore the abstract use of line and shapes to create emphasis, rhythm and a feeling of movement.

Marc Chagall, I and the Village

Marc Chagall's dream imagery is a wonderful way to explore symbols and what they can mean in a painting and in a dream. This painting offers students a wonderful opportunity to explore the use of symbols in art. It also offers fun paint application techniques that will be exciting to create.

Franz Marc, The Tiger

This is an excellent piece of art to teach cubism to your students. The drawing and paint application show thrust and variations. Popular animal theme is a real winner.

Camile Pissaro, The Boulevard Montmartre at Night

Camile Pissaro was a renowned impressionist painter. His evening street scene will teach one point perspective and the colour scheme teaches about complementary colours.