Georgia OKeeffe Oil Pastels

Grade: 9-12Curriculum Area: Visual ArtUnit of Study/Art history/Cultural context: Georgia OKeeffe. Abstract art.SPI's/Standards of Art: TN: 1.1.1-1.1.4, 1.3.1-.1.3.4, 1.4.1-1.4.4, 2.1.1-.4, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 (science)

Objectives:

Students will analyze and interpret the life of Georgia OKeeffe and her abstract paintings. (4.1) Students will apply oil pastel techniques for their drawing. (1-2) Students will create an up-close oil pastel drawing of object(s) from nature, similar to the work of OKeeffe. Students will choose objects they like best. (1.1-1.4, 5.1) Students will closely observe nature - focus on subtle color changes. (6.1)Materials:

Pencil & eraser Sketch paper 14x18 watercolor paper Oil pastels Viewfinder (square) Q-tips for blending

Assessment Strategies:

Questions and responses during presentation to show understanding. Individual monitoring during guided & independent practice (double-check comprehension). Rubric for the final project: scoring based on how well Objectives were met in the project. (Good effort; cleanliness and craftsmanship; cropped composition similar to OKeeffe; show value with the pastels; subject is from nature.) At the end of the semester, the final exam will include questions about OKeeffe and Abstract art.

Guided Learning Steps:

PowerPoint Introduction Students learn about Georgia OKeeffe and her work that primarily focused on zoomed in objects from nature, e.g. flowers. Questions are asked like, Why did she paint these so up close? How does this enhance the subject? Examples are shown from flowers, to cityscapes that become abstract due to her style. Cropping is explained, as well as the project guidelines and student examples are shown for visual aid. Demonstration/Guided Practice First, a video demonstration of using oil pastels will be shown. Students will receive a handout on OKeeffe and the process she used for her work. Students will practice drawing an enlarged image of a flower (provided), and then practice using oil pastels. They will learn about blending colors next to each other, and on top of each other, using q-tips. Individual Practice (Project) [3 days] Students will select an image of their choice, from magazine or real life, that deals with object(s) from nature. This can include flowers, trees, leaves, rocks, and more. Students crop the image using a viewfinder, then sketch the enlarged picture onto a 14x18 watercolor paper. Students will color in the image using oil pastels, making sure to show value. They do not have to use arbitrary colors seen in the original image; exaggerating or changing colors can push the work further into Abstract art. Reflection Students will discuss their choices, and why they think OKeeffe made this type of art.

Vocab: abstract, oil pastel, cropping, arbitrary, values (tints and shades), emphasis

Essential Questions:

1. What are the characteristics of OKeeffes work?a. Why do you think she painted objects very up close, rather than just normal size?

2. How can you make the image look zoomed in on the paper?

3. How do you blend different colors and values together with pastels?

4. How do you show emphasis or a focal point in an artwork?

5. Which makes an artwork be considered Abstract?