Geometric Shapes and Color Mixing with Van Gogh

DISCUSSION: Geometric Shape: from mathematics

Geometric shapes can be solved by a mathematical equation 

Let’s think of some: square, rectangle, circle, oval, triangle, etc...

Look at Van Gogh’s Bedroom: let's reduce all the shapes in the room into geometric shapes. Can you find a square: the two pillows

 Can you find a circle: The seats of the chairs

Color Wheel: Draw out the color wheel. 

Primary Colors: Red, blue Yellow

what does primary mean?

what makes these colors special?

Secondary colors: orange, green, violet

Look at Van Gogh’s Bedroom: Find each of the primary and secondary colors

ARTIST: Vincent  van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890)

Dutch Post-Impressionist painter 

His work had a far-reaching influence on 20th century art

Known for his  vivid colors and emotional impact. 

Van Gogh did not begin painting until his late twenties

most of his best-known works were produced during his final two years. 

He produced more than 2,000 artworks, consisting of around 900 paintings and 1,100 drawings and sketches. 

His work was a strong influence on the Modernist art that followed. 

Today many of his pieces—including his numerous self portraits, landscapes, portraits and sunflowers—are among the world's most recognizable and expensive works of art.

Known for his paint application creating texture and movement.

He suffered from anxiety and increasingly frequent bouts of mental illness throughout his life,

died largely unknown, at the age of 37

sold only one painting while he was alive

for more information, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh

PROJECT: Recreate Van Gogh’s Bedroom

Step1: in pencil: Draw the objects in the room by reducing them to geometric shapes

for example: the bed is a large square at the bottom

                                         a rectangle in the middle 

                                         the headboard is another rectangle with two square pillows.

Step 2: Paint in all the primary colors first

yellow bed, red blanket,  blue doors and vase, etc.

Step 3: create your first secondary color: Green and paint in all green objects, Window, chair seat, etc...

Step 4: create your second secondary color: orange: paint in all orange objects

Table, frames coat hanger

Step5: mix your final color purple and paint the walls with it 

Step6: add anything additionally that you might need to make the scene yours

MATERIALS: 

Tempura paint in red, yellow and blue

pencils

thick white paper

Paper plates for paint

Paint brushes

additional pictures of student work: