Submitted by Meghan Yarnell,
art teacher at Perrysburg Junior High
Title of Lesson: Matisse Self-Portraits
Grade level: 5th-7th grade
Goals / Objectives:
1.) Students will learn about the artist Henri Matisse by completing a lesson on moodle
2.) Students will learn about organic and geometric shapes by completing a lesson on moodle and group participation
3.) Students will learn correct facial proportions through demonstrations and a worksheet
4.) Students will learn how to exaggerate features for expressive purposes through demonstrations
Materials Needed:
Construction Paper
, Scissors, Glue. Optional: Hole Punches
, Mirrors
Click on all the images for full size
Lesson Description:
Day one:
-students will complete a sketch of their face and shoulders by the end of class. This sketch will express a personality trait (happy, athletic, creative.) They should show this personality trait in every part of the sketch (face, background and shirt).
Day two:
-Students will pick out two sheets of construction paper, one for their faces and necks and one for their shirts. Fold the skin-tone paper in half hamburger style. On one half of the paper, draw an oval for the head that takes up the entire paper. Open the paper and cut it out. Cut the scrap off of the paper. Fold the remaining half in half hamburger style. On one half, draw two lines that go from top corner to bottom and curve in a bit. Open the paper and cut it out. Put the remainder of the paper in art folders. Glue the head to the neck so the neck is extra long. Glue the head and neck to the paper one inch from the top of the paper.
Day three:
-Demonstrate how to make different kinds of shirts by putting a piece of paper over the neck and drawing a shirt neckline. Have the students work on their shirts and decorating them.
Day four:
- Show students how to make eyes by drawing a circle and adding two triangles to the ends. Have them fold the paper in half when they cut it out so they get two. Same with their eyebrows. Tell them that noses must be made with a different color than their skin color.
Day five:
-Demonstrate different types of mouths. Remind them that they are trying to express a personality trait with their expressions.
-Demonstrate how to make ears with the remaining skin tone they put in their art folders. Tell them that they don't need to make ears, but that they should if the ears would show.
Day six:
-Demonstrate how to create hair by putting a piece of construction paper over their heads and drawing a semi-circle that is bigger than their head. Show them how to fringe the paper to create more realistic hair. They can also cut out long strips and curve the tops.
Day seven:
-Talk about backgrounds, they should focus on portraying their personality traits.
Assessment(s):
See rubric 
Resources
Books
Henri Matisse
- The extraordinary significance of the painter and sculptor Henri Matisse in the history of modern art, but also his influence, was no less decisive than that of his main rival, Pablo Picasso.
Matisse the King of Color
- The bright and cheerful illustrations draw heavily on Matisse's drawings, paintings, and collages. Facts about the artist's life and style are also skillfully woven into the story and illustrations.
Prints
