📖

Abstract Expressionism

American Art: Mid-20th Century

Day 146of 180
Week 30of 36
45Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the basic principles of Abstract Expressionism

2

Analyze emotional expression through non-representational art

3

Develop appreciation for creative freedom in 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, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,”

— Exodus 35:31-32 (WEB)

Demonstrates God's gift of creativity and artistic expression

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large white paper
  • Tempera or acrylic paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Newspaper or drop cloth
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade 4 Art
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse art exploration! Last week, we learned about composition, and today we'll discover how artists express deep emotions without using recognizable shapes.

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about creating balance in artwork?
2Teaching (15 min)

Abstract Expressionism is a unique art movement where artists use color, shape, and motion to show feelings instead of drawing specific objects.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Jackson Pollock created art by dripping and splashing paint
  • Mark Rothko used large color blocks to evoke emotions
  • Artists wanted to show inner feelings through color and movement
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might different colors make you feel?
  • Can you imagine creating art without drawing things you recognize?
3Activity: Emotion Painting (18 min)
hands-on art creation

Create an abstract painting expressing a feeling without using recognizable shapes

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose an emotion to express
  2. Select colors that represent that emotion
  3. Use different painting techniques like dripping, splashing, or broad strokes
  4. Focus on expressing feeling, not creating a perfect picture
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use fewer colors and larger brushes

Challenge: Create a series of paintings showing different emotions

4Closing (7 min)

Share and discuss our abstract artworks, connecting our creativity to God's gift of artistic expression

📝 Review Questions:
  • What emotion did you try to show in your artwork?
  • How is abstract art different from drawing real objects?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore Pop Art and how artists use everyday images to create meaning

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Abstract Expressionism emerged in 1940s-1950s New York, emphasizing spontaneous, emotional creation

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage freedom of expression
  • Focus on process, not perfection
  • Discuss emotions openly
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might feel uncertain about creating non-representational art

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Enthusiasm, creative risk-taking, emotional engagement

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research other Abstract Expressionist artists
  • Create a gallery wall of emotion-based abstract art
  • Listen to music while creating abstract paintings

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 147 →Back to Art