Painting is my favorite. Teaching painting puts a twinkle in my eye. It is special to be able to share your passion with anyone, let alone, 100+ pre-teens. The biggest issue with teaching painting to 12 year old children, is having them create something that can hold their interest for the duration (3-5 weeks) of the project. In the past I had taught pop art, pointillism, portraits, symbols, graffiti, and I was at a loss for something fresh and new. I started goggling images, looking at trees, and flowers and all the "norm" for painting projects. Then I stumbled upon a close up of a lizard's eye. Perfect! Simple geometric and organic shapes, and a dynamic composition. I gave the project a twist, asking the children to creat "fantastic" animals. We talked about what "fantastic" meant....not great, but from a fantasy. We looked at creatures from dragons to Harry Potter and Narnia. We discussed "fiction" and "surrealism". The kid's were hooked! "Mrs. Rummenie, can I make a dragon?" "NO!", I replied. Not quite fantastic in my opinion. I offered the children books, and web searches and packets I photocopied of all different animals....geckos, zebras, humans, fish, cheetah. I asked that the kids create a new "species" of animal or beast for their work. Something that lived only in their imaginations. The end sketches and paintings were truly fantastic....as in great:
We used tempera paint, and the kids got to choose from 7 color schemes....analogous, complementary, split complementary, triadic, warm, cool, or monochromatic. They were allowed to add neutrals as well. I listed the color schemes with a description of each on the board, and a few color wheels. The children were constantly referring to them, which strengthened their ability to pull information from a chart. They were able to pick a painterly or tight style, and because of the choice, felt really good about painting. One of the things I always set as a goal for myself, is to help each student feel good about what they can create. I think that at the middle school, offering choices and chances for individuality accomplish this in ways nothing else can. The kids who have issues with fine motor skills might be really successful at a loose style of painting, while meticulous students thrive with hard-edged work. I love hearing the kid's talk about the differences in their peers work. Inevitably, they love the opposite of what they had made. It is awe inspiring to see them offer each other complements and praise. Some of the children had difficulty delving into the realm of fantasy. I never forced them to comply with my imagination, and I am glad that I bent on the issue. Some of the more realistic work was extremely strong, and allowing the lieniency in subject matter definately helped with keeping each child on task. We finished them with Mod Podge for a glossy, oil-like finish. My seventh graders were thrilled. I am certain they had no idea they were capable of such FANTASTIC work ;)
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