EARLY ADOLESCENCE
Phase of Development (Y7-10)
IN YOUR FACE!
After studying Kees van Dongen’s portrait paintings,
particularly Modjesko, Soprano Singer, 1908,
make an acrylic on canvas painting of a colourful
character you know personally, focusing on strong
colour and exaggerated form.
This exhibition is organised by
The Museum of Modern Art, New York
in collaboration with The Art Gallery
of Western Australia, Perth.
KEES VAN DONGEN (French, 1877–1968)
Modjesko, Soprano Singer, 1908
Oil on canvas
39 3/8 x 32” (100 x 81.3 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Rübel
© 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
Project/Lesson Planner – Visual Arts
pg 3 of 4
IN YOUR FACE!
Early Adolescence Phase of Development (Y7-10)
Lesson/Activity: After studying Kees van Dongen’s portrait paintings, particularly Modjesko, Soprano
Singer, 1908, make an acrylic on canvas painting of a colourful character you know personally, focusing on
strong colour and exaggerated form.
ARTS IDEAS
Outcomes
Related tasks
Creating original ideas
•
Visit Van Gogh, Dalí and Beyond: The World Reimagined. Examine and discuss
van Dongen’s painting, Modjesko, Soprano Singer, 1908.
Interpreting the ideas
of others
•
In the classroom – discuss van Dongen’s artwork, looking particularly at his
expressive, vibrant use of colour and the way his portraits captured the essence
of his sitters.
•
In journals, students use acrylic paints to reproduce a section of van Dongen’s
painting.
•
Students bring in a selection of photographs they have taken of the person they
wish to paint a portrait of.
•
Complete a series of three or four compositional sketches for portrait in journal.
Aim to capture the essence of that person.
Developing arts ideas
•
Select favourite composition, further modifying it for painting.
Presenting arts ideas
•
Prepare and present painting for exhibition.
Exploring arts ideas
ARTS SKILLS AND PROCESSES
Outcomes
Using skills, techniques and
processes
Related tasks
•
Complete painting exercises exploring colour mixing and paint application.
•
Paint one small study from sketches in journal, exploring van Dongen’s use
of expressive, vibrant colour and distortion of form.
•
Prepare painting ground – prime pre-prepared canvas.
•
Map out composition on canvas using thinned paint in a light colour.
•
Spend time mixing colours – apply acrylic paint retarder if necessary to slow
down drying time.
•
Complete painting, working on an easel, to allow viewing of painting from
a distance.
Using arts conventions
•
Explore conventions of using acrylic paint e.g. discover drying time, colour mixing
qualities, and completing artwork to exhibition standards.
Using and adapting
technologies in the arts
•
Use painting mediums to enhance painting and explore the use of varnishes and
glazes to enrich the surface of the completed work.
•
Clean up all tools and materials appropriately at the conclusion of each lesson.
Opens 22 June
Project/Lesson Planner – Visual Arts
pg 4 of 4
IN YOUR FACE! Early Adolescence Phase of Development (Y7-10)
ARTS RESPONSES
Outcomes
Responding to arts works
and experiences
Related tasks
•
Discuss van Dongen’s Modjesko, Soprano Singer, 1908. Focus on mood being
conveyed, the personality of the sitter and formal aspects of painting including
expressive use of colour and distortion of form.
•
Discuss emotional responses to the painting.
•
Look at other examples of van Dongen’s portrait paintings.
Reflecting on arts works and
experiences
•
Make notes in journal whilst looking at and discussing the painting.
•
Complete a formal analysis of the painting using a visual analysis framework.
Evaluating arts works and
experiences
•
Students document their process and evaluate their finished work in their journals
using art language.
•
Class discussion of finished works using appropriate art vocabulary.
ARTS IN SOCIETY
Outcomes
Valuing the arts
Understanding historical and
cultural contexts in the arts
Understanding the economic
significance of the arts
Related tasks
•
Visit Van Gogh, Dalí and Beyond: The World Reimagined as a class and take a tour.
•
Back in the classroom follow up on visit, relating van Dongen’s work to the practical
activity.
•
During visit, discuss van Dongen’s life and his artworks, paying particular attention
to Modjesko, Soprano Singer, 1908.
•
Discuss the rise of Fauvism and the part van Dongen played.
•
Discuss the way features of van Dongen’s work locate it in a particular time,
place and culture.
•
Discuss the impact the Fauves’ work made on the development of modern art.
•
Discuss aspects of the exhibition in general, including curatorial, transport logistics,
designing and hanging and marketing.
•
Students should gain an appreciation of the importance of an exhibition such
as this in developing the cultural appreciation of a community.
Opens 22 June