One of the greatest modern artists was a man by the name of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Though Picasso is known mostly for starting the movement of cubism, his artistic abilities enveloped much more. He was very good at creating what most of us consider "good art"- portraits and still lifes that looked just like the actual subject he was painting. This, however, was not what Picasso would stick to. He was always trying to think of something new. The new ideas that he came up with were often rejected and even despised by his peers. The history of Picasso's art takes us through many styles and investigations. He shows us the value of being creative and inventive. As a class we will take a look into the life of Pablo Picasso in preparation for our upcoming unit on the five principles of art : line, shape, color, texture, and value.

To find out a little more about Pablo Picasso, visit this website http://www.picasso.com/life/index.html

 

"Myrrhina and Kineseas" (1934)

 

Intro Task Process Resources Conclusion

Task

The following list contains subjects that relate to Pablo Picasso. You will choose one of the subjects to research. You will then use was you have learned to create a poster describing the subject. You will then give a ten minute in-class presentation of the poster and your research. As you research a subject, think about questions you could answer (i.e. What is it? Where did it start? What is its purpose? Who started it? What were the influences? How was it recieved by the public? ).

• Cubism
• Cubist sculpture
• The Blue period
• The Rose period
• Artists that influenced Picasso and how
• Other influences on Picasso (i.e. African art)
• The painting "Guernica" - what is it about?
• Choose any one of Picasso's works and tell us about it

 

The Old Guitarist Pablo Picasso Oil On Panel, 1903

Intro Task Process Resources Conclusion

Process

1. Choose a subject you would like to research. Begin your research by looking on the web and in books. I have included a list of places you might find useful information. For the list, see the resources section.

2. Find and print three images that are at least 4.5" x 5.5" in size. These will be attached to your poster, so don't print them too large.

3. While researching, note at least five important dates and ten important facts about your subject that will be included on a timeline on your poster. The timeline should include dates that are relevant to the subject. For example, if my subject were The Blue Period, I would include the dates the period started and ended, dates of important paintings, and even places of travel and meetings with other artists.

4. A poster board will be provided in class. Consider this your canvas. Make your poster a work of art. Be creative, but make sure writing is legible and the images visible.

5. Present your poster and research to the class. You will be given ten minutes to discuss your research. Be sure to prepare notecarts or other material that will help you discuss your subject. You will be expected to discuss your oppinion on the subject you researched, how the five principles of art relate to the subject, and how your research may affect your own art work.

6. Congratulate yourself for being more knowledgeable on one of the most interesting and inovative artists in recent history.

 

Violin, glass, pipe and inkwell oil on canvas, may 1912 81 x 54cm

 

Intro Task Process Resources Conclusion

Resources

Websites:

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/P/picasso_early.html

http://www.tamu.edu/mocl/picasso/

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/picasso_pablo.html

http://www.gospain.org/jewels/picasso.htm#cubscul

http://www.artlex.com/ (This is an art dictionary)

Books:

Thomas, Denis. Picasso & His Art. (1975, 1981). New York: Galahad Books; Northbrook: Book Value International

Arnheim, Rudolf. The Genesis of a Painting, Picasso's Guernica. (1962). Berkely, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press.

Venezia, Mike. Picasso (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists). (1994). New York: Children's Press.

 

Chicago 50' high 1967

 

Intro Task Process Resources Conclusion

Conclusion

When we have all had the opportunity to present our research on Pablo Picasso we will have learned the following (and more):

• Picasso had many different styles of art, all of which are interesting in there own ways.
• The five principles of art are evident in his works.
• "Art" does not have to be a perfect drawing of a person or thing.