Day 1: We looked at some of Vincent van Gogh's paintings as an example of how Expressionists painted not only visible subject matter, but are also conveying emotion and or/moods when they paint. We zeroed in on the paintings of Vincent's and Gauguin's chairs by Vincent van Gogh. (read about and see the two paintings here: http://www.vggallery.com/painting/p_0498_0499.htm). We discussed the relationship of these two artists and discussed the emotions, personalities, and moods we observed as we compared and contrasted the two paintings. Students then decided and brainstormed what they (or someone they knew very well) would look like as a chair. They drew practice sketches.
Day 2: Complete brainstorm drawings and get right on to drawing on black construction paper with a white charcoal pencil (we traced a template for the seat of the chair to get started). Move on to oil pastels/chalk pastels if time permits.
Day 3: With oil pastels, trace and fill in the chair with expressive lines. Use oil pastels to fill in textures on the floor- keeping in mind that even the type of floor is part of the "expressing". Use chalk to fill in the walls- one light and one dark for contrast.
