Lesson Plan: Sandpaper Landscapes and Prints
Plan ID: 1041
by Patricia Ronkartz (submitted Jan 2, 2006)
South Crowley Elementary - LA, United States
for grade level » Middle (5-8)
media type » Printmaking
The learner will: 1. Research and discuss the impressionist movement. 2. Identify and
discuss impressionist paintings. 3. Identify and discuss various printmaking techniques. 4.
Produce an impressionist inspired landscape or still life on sandpaper and from that piece
produce a pseudo-pointillism print.
Sample Artwork:
Materials (what you need)
Teacher Made PowerPoint presentations on pointillism,impressionism, printmaking and
George Seurat
Samples of impressionist paintings with emphasis on pointillism
Internet access and Reference books
Crayons
Various grit sandpapers
White sulphite art paper
Iron
Heavy books
Procedure (what you need)
1.Introduce the Impressionist movement, pointillism, printmaking and George Seurat with
teacher made PowerPoint presentations and class discussion.
2.Investigate Impressionist art using Internet and reference books.
3.Discuss the use of light and color in the impressionist style.
4.Draw subject matter on plain paper to select colors and make final decisions then transfer
to ½ sheet of medium grit sandpaper using crayons. Remember that the print will be in
reverse.
5.Fold white sulphite drawing paper in half and place the sandpaper landscape inside
6.Place preheated iron onto paper, lift and move iron until entire picture has been
transferred to paper.
7.Carefully open and remove paper from sandpaper and allow to cool. It is a good idea to
place a heavy book on top of the print and the sandpaper landscapes to prevent curling as
the pieces cool.
8.Matt for display and comparative discussion.
Content Keywords
2-dimensional, balance, color, contrast, culture, emphasis, form, function, historical period,
landscape, line, mood, pointillism, print, repetition, rhythm, shape, space, still life, style,
texture, unity, value
This lesson is also great for the medium of printmaking. The cost is minimal
and the students understand the idea of transferring to create a print as well
as the idea of positive and negative space and the importance of the use of
complimentary colour to create a legible design in the print form. This is a
great hands on art history project as it could also lead to an extension where
pointillism and impressionistic style could be studied on a larger scale.