An Introduction of Abstract Expression

Objectives:
The goal of this lesson is to show students how artists during the Modern Art Era used art as a form of expression. Before this art was completely academic and made to be perfect. During this time, artists used art to convey messages about themselves, others, and the world around them. Students will be able to understand artistic expression and identify how the use color, line, and form to express themselves. They will also be able to identify abstract paintings, understand abstract expressionist concepts, and create their own abstract expressionist works of art.

Materials:
Display of Abstract works of art from the Modern Art Era (either print outs or power point) Sketching paper Tracing paper Pencils Multicolored Construction Paper A variety of different line drawings. Still Life arrangement (a plant would best)

Procedure:
1. Create a power point explaining Abstract Expressionism and some examples of artists and how they used Abstract Expressionism in their work. Have a class discussion about these concepts fueled by the power point presentation. 2. Students will then be instructed to sketch a realist drawing of the plant still life. Make sure they understand to draw it as exact as their abilities allow. 3. Once students have completed their sketch, discuss with them how they created a sense of reality in this realist sketch. 4. Then, instruct student to cover their sketch with tracing paper. They can choose different elements of the sketch and trace over them, ignoring detail. They can also overlap different parts of the sketch and trace over them. The final product should have more of a design feel. 5. Hang each students drawings up, the realistic sketch next to the tracing paper. Then have a class discussion and compare and contrast the two compositions. Be sure to explain how the second drawing is an abstraction. 6. The students should then break up into small groups. Each group will receive a variety of colored paper and line drawings. After each small group has a discussion about the
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effects of color and line, they will be asked to write a small journal entry about their personal responses to color and line. Each group will then report their discussions to the class. 7. The students will then be asked to finish their abstract drawings. They can add color and more line at their own discretion. 8. Once they have finished their drawings, they will do another journal entry about those drawings and answer the following questions: a. What mood or memory is expressed in my work? b. What colors are used to express that mood or memory? Is it successful? c. How is line used to express that mood or memory? Is it successful?

Assessment:
Students will turn in all journal entries (or their entire art journal) and both drawings. Journal entries will be assessed based on their thoughtfulness and understanding of the concepts. The sketch will be participation points. Their abstract drawings will be graded based on how they match up with their journal entry on it. There will also be a participation grade based on student willingness and cooperation during the lesson.

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