PIGasso and MOOtisse

One of my favorite kind of lessons to teach are the ones where students learn about famous artists. A great way to introduce children (especially primary aged Kindergarten thru 2nd Graders) to artists is with the aide of a book. "When Pigasso met Mootisse" by Nina Laden, is a wonderful book to introduce kids to artists Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. 

After we read the book we talk about the real artists and their styles. Picasso is a cubist, he likes straight lines and geometric shapes. Matisse is a fauve, he likes color and organic shapes. We compare and contrast the two styles and the students decide which style they like best. Then they draw either a portrait of Mootisse or Pigasso. Whoever they choose, they then draw that character using that artists' style.

 After we drew the character then we start adding color with oil pastel.

In some classes we started with the background first. Watercolor paint and I tried to stress choosing a color scheme of warm or cool. (Some get it more than others.)

Excellent results!! Looks like Pigasso was more popular this year!