Picasso's Three Musicians Tempera Painting

Lesson Plan Submitted by: Kim Mulligan
Elementary art teacher in Middletown, NJ.
Grades: 2 - 5th grade

Procedure:

I use this lesson for Third Grade, but could be used for any level. (approx. 3 class periods)

Class 1
Start the lesson by reading above mentioned book, or if you don't have those materials give some background info about Picasso and concentrate on Cubism.

I show students sample completed work and demonstrate and discuss drawing process before we begin. (IE. make objects large, fill up the space keep shapes simple, etc.)

Display pictures of musical instruments. Have students make sketch of the instrument of their choice in the cubistic style. Encourage simplification. Then have the students add the cubistic musician playing the instrument. (Some students will not finish sketching in one period)

Class 2
Start class by discussing repetition of color in The Three Musicians. Demonstrate painting techniques before students begin the painting portion of the lesson. When drawings are complete have students begin painting.

Pablo Picasso. (Spanish, 1881-1973). Three Musicians. Fontainebleau, summer 1921. Oil on canvas. Mrs. Simon Guggenheim Fund.

Class 3
Demonstrate outlining each shape with black crayon. Emphasize pressing hard and being very careful. This is important for good results. I keep sending students back until I am satisfied. (Some students will still be painting at this point but have them watch demo before they continue)

Materials:

• Cake tempera or liquid Tempera Paint, Brushes

• 12" x 18" (30.5 x 46 cm) white Drawing Paper or Manila Paper

• Drawing Pencils, Kneaded Rubber Erasers

• Black Crayons

• Reference pictures of musical instruments (I borrowed them from the music teacher)

• Poster of "The Three Musicians" by Picasso

"Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists" by Mike Venezia (one copy will do for you to read to the class but the lesson is much better if each student can have access to a copy and share reading)

I had wonderful results from this lesson. Each child had a success. Hope you enjoy it!