📖

American Modern Painting

American Art: Early 20th Century

Day 110of 180
Week 22of 36
45Minutes
← Day 109Day 110 of 180Day 111 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the characteristics of early 20th century American modern painting

2

Create an original painting inspired by an American modern art style

3

Develop creativity and personal artistic expression

📖 Scripture Connection

Exodus 35:31-32

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs”

— Exodus 35:31-32 (WEB)

Demonstrates God's gift of creativity and artistic expression

📦 Materials Needed

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolor paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Water cup
  • Paper towels
  • Pencil
  • Inspiration images of early 20th century American art
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Review previous lessons about American modern artists and discuss how artists use their unique vision to create meaningful artwork

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about Edward Hopper's use of light and mood in art?
2Teaching (15 min)

Introduce key concepts of American modern painting, focusing on personal expression and unique artistic styles

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Artists express their inner world through color and form
  • Modern art celebrates individual perspective
  • Painting can tell a story about personal experiences
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What makes an artwork special to you?
  • How can art help us share our feelings?
3Activity: Personal Modern Painting (18 min)
project

Create a watercolor painting inspired by an early 20th century American art style, using a personal subject meaningful to the student

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose a personal scene or memory to paint
  2. Sketch basic composition lightly in pencil
  3. Select a color palette inspired by studied artists
  4. Apply watercolor techniques learned in previous lessons
  5. Focus on expressing emotion through color and form
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use larger brush strokes and fewer color variations

Challenge: Incorporate multiple artistic techniques or complex composition

4Closing (7 min)

Share paintings and discuss artistic choices

📝 Review Questions:
  • What inspired your painting?
  • How did you use color to express feelings?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore figure proportions and how artists represent the human form

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Early 20th century American modern art emphasized personal expression and breaking from traditional representational styles

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creative risk-taking
  • Focus on process over perfection
  • Allow child to interpret instructions uniquely
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children may feel self-conscious about their artistic abilities

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Enthusiasm, willingness to experiment, ability to discuss artistic choices

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research additional American modern artists
  • Create a mini art gallery of completed paintings
  • Write a short story about the inspiration behind the artwork

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 111 →Back to Art