Chiaroscuro Style!

When I was student teaching for my California Teacher Credential requirement, I worked with 7th and 8th students. One of my favorite projects was teaching the students about the art technique called chiaroscuro. This refers to the use of light and dark to create the illusion of three- dimensional volume on a flat surface. “Chiaroscuro is an Italian term which translates as light-dark, and refers to the balance and pattern of light and shade in a painting or drawing. Chiaroscuro is generally only remarked upon when it is a particularly prominent feature of the work, usually when the artist is using extreme contrasts of light and shade.”

Ideally, I would have 3 dimensional heads from which the students could work, but instead they have a choice of photographs of ancient Greek and Roman heads that I have photo copied. They select a working image, chose a color of paper, they are given vine charcoal, and some white tempera paint – Then they get to art-ing! I’ve created a demo video if you care to learn more about this lesson. The following is the amazing art work of my student teaching kids. I was so proud of their efforts that I created a display in the school library!!!

Paint What You See! Koi Fish

Inspired when studying Ancient China, 4th grade students at Old Town Academy use the Paint What You See! technique to re-create a Chinese painting of Koi fish for school fundraiser.

SOLD $800.00

4th OTA 2012 Koi Fish

Koi Fish Painting from China
Koi Fish Painting from China

OTA 4th 2012 Koi Fish

4th Grade“Koi Fish Pond” (Watercolor Mounted on Wood).
The study of Chinese Art inspired the 4th Grade students to create this remarkable watercolor and oil pastel painting of koi fish and lotus flowers. Each student painted one section and the result is a beautiful piece that would be the perfect complement to your home or office. (68” x 36.5”)

SPECIAL THANKS TO: • Kathy Mitchell • Children Paint the Masters • OTA Fourth Grade Students, Class of 2016.