Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Artist: Amedeo Modigliani



Medium: Oil Pastels

Reason for Lesson: To explore the artisit Amedeo Modigliani and to create a self portrait of themselves in his style. 

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes to find samples of his work to share with the class.  Read and understand  who the artist is and why he created art the way he did. 
How to Prep: Gather materials and study and learn about this artist.  Gather some of the artists own work to show the students on an overhead.  Create a sample of your own to share with the class. 

Materials: Oil Pastels and black construction paper

Instructions to Lead Lesson: 
As a class we discussed the artist Amedeo Modigliani, born in Italy he discovered his passion for art at the age of 11.  I think it's fun to point out that Amedeo was the students age when he developed his love of art!  

When Amedeo was 20, he moved to Paris where he grew as an artist.  He was known for painting and sculptures in modern style by mask-like faces and elongated form.    Amedeo had very little money, often trading his art at restaurants for meals.  In 1917 he created a painting of himself.  At the age of 36 he died of tuberculosis.  Within the last 10 years the paint he created of himself, sold at an action in New York for $68.9 million.  Within that time frame, an additional painting sold for $40 million.