Pattern and Shape Repetition with Miro

DISCUSSION: Repetition of shapes and line 

Look at the painting: "The Beautiful Bird Revealing the Unknown Pair of Lovers", by Joan Miro from the Constellation series, July 23, 1941.

What do you see in this painting?

What shapes? Geometric shapes? Organic shapes

What lines do you see? zig zag, curved, straight?

What colors do you see? Primary Secondary?

What is happening in this work?

Can you make up a story for what you see?

Is this work an abstract work of art?

What shapes and lines are repeated?

ARTIST: Joan MIRO  

(1893-1983)

Spanish painter, sculpture

Would not commit to a certain art style

Associated with the surrealists

Born to the families of a goldsmith and watchmaker, 

Young Miró was drawn towards the arts community that was gathering in Montparnasse 

1920 moved to Paris, France. He was influenced by the poets and writers, 

He developed his unique style: organic forms and flattened picture planes drawn with a sharp line. 

He would dream about his paintings

He would see the shapes on the ceiling

for additional information, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Miró

PROJECT: Repeat shapes and lines to create a Miro style painting

Step1: using the side of illustration board drag forward to make black squares, repeat several times

Step2: using the side of illustration board twist to make an X in black, repeat several  times

Step3: using the side of illustration board print straight lines in the shape of a star, repeat several times

Step4: using the side of illustration board print just straight lines as many as you like

Step5: using black oil pastels add in black dots all over the piece could be at the ends of lines
Step6: using green, yellow, red and blue oil pastels add in some colored shapes 

Step6: using a thin black sharpie attach lines to shapes

Step 7: using thin black sharpies add lines through out the work, zig zag, curved, spiral

MATERIALS: 

Black paint

Illustration board

Oil pastels

Thin black sharpies


This is a great recap project after you have studied line, shape, and the color wheel. It gives you a chance to revisit each element in one project. 


Additional student examples:

This awesome lesson plan was inspired by:  http://www.vsanevada.org/lesson15.htm