Overview   Timeline   Lesson 1: The Sensory Palette   Lesson 2: The Literary Palette    Lesson 3:  The Color Palette 
Lesson 4: The Studio Palette  Enhancements & Follow-Up   Resource List  Illustrative Materials & Showcase Gallery 
Assessments & Evaluation Strategies    Gallery Guestbook   Teacher Diane Lufrano's Adaptation of this Unit
Link to Other Lessons by Lori  (middle school level)

Lesson #1: The Sensory Palette: Visual Celebrations: Artistic Movements

Instructional Objectives:

Students will:

1. view and discuss slides from a variety of major art museums as an introduction to the variety of artistic movements in art history.

2. appreciate a virtual sensory experience through touring the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

3. analyze and interpret how these art periods in history reflect our culture today.

Time Required: Days 1 & 2 from timeline.  Two  40-minute periods.

Advanced Preparation: Teacher previews slides, websites and books from art collections around the world. Classroom slides may be purchased at museum bookstores. (See Resource List)

Materials: An assortment of slides and photos illustrating the following movements in art history: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Surrealism, Realism, and the Modern Art Movement.

Vocabulary: 1. Impressionism                                 4. Realism

                     2. Post-Impressionism                        5.  Modern Art

                     3. Surrealism

Procedure: Students will view and discuss slides from a variety of major art museums as an introduction to the variety of artistic movements in art history.

After viewing slides, students will respond in their notebooks to the following:

• How does this setting make you feel?

• What sounds do you hear?

• What odors do you think you would experience?

• What sights do you see and how do you think they may they change with the different seasons?

• What sensations of touch would you feel?

Class discussion will follow as to the sharp contrasts of the interior and exterior space of these paintings. What was the main theme and how did the artist express his ideas?

HW: Explore a variety of museum websites to reflect upon today’s class discussion of a painting you would like to use to create a 3D sculptural interpretation. Write a research report on what you have learned about the artist and his painting and why you feel it would be a good choice to create an artful installation.

Follow up: Use search engine on the Internet, such as yahooligans.com or kidsclick.org to explore the art periods in history discussed in class. Experience a virtual tour of van Gogh’s Bedroom:  http://vangoghmuseum.nl

Teacher Notes: While students are studying these artists, they may extend their interpretations of these artists and their works to produce creative interpretations and expressions through music, choreography, poetry, composing, mime, and scenery design. Or, even in the spirit of Christo and Jean-Claude, who exhibited in NYC’s Central Park this year, they could “wrap” their environment in fabric!  Students who are more technologically inclined may even create an animated version of their painting!

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