Docent Training

AAYF Projects 2024-25

 

Proud as a Peacock

Created by Lee-Jean Lin

September 2024

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

While learning about James Abbott McNeill Whistler and his Peacock Room, students will create their impression of a peacock using oil pastels on textured blank sandpaper. In addition, students will explore the history of the peacock as a symbol and decoration across various cultures.

 

OBJECTIVES

● Students will learn about Whistler’s work of interior decorative art , Peacock Room and the history of peacocks as cultural symbols and ornamental motifs.

● Students will create their own drawing of a peacock. They will imagine the drawing will decorate their own house and emphasize the decadent aspect of the bird’s beauty.

● Students will work with color to learn oil pastel techniques and texture with the household sandpaper as the substrate.

 

SUPPLIES (PER STUDENT)

● (1) Medium grain black sandpaper 9” x 11” (#220) (Note: This is the drawing surface)

● (1) Very light color crayon (Note: For sketching on black sandpaper)

● (12) Color oil pastels

● Wet wipes (to clean hands at the end)

● Pencil #2 & eraser

 

SUPPLIES (Shared)

● Line drawings of peacocks, make copies from lesson plan handout drawings located at the end

● Peacock feathers – used as visual aids by docents during lessons.

 

ART VOCABULARY

● Elements of Art & Design – are stylistic features/ building blocks used to make a work of art. The seven most common elements include line, shape, form, space, value, texture, and color.

● Contour Drawing – contour means “outline,” and presents exterior edges of objects. A plain contour has a clean, connected line, no shading and emphasizes an open “shell” of the subject.

● Contrast – Principle of Design, contrast is the occurrence of differing elements, such as color, value, size, etc. It creates interest and pulls the viewer’s attention toward the focal point.

● Harmony – Principle of Design , the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements .

● Japonisme – a general term for the nineteenth century influence of Japanese art on the West.

● Pattern – Principle of Design, pattern can be produced by the repetition of motifs, colors, shapes, or lines in a work of art. The layers of pattern on the peacock’s plumage are good examples.

● Texture – Element of Art, Texture is the surface quality of a shape or form, i.e., rough, smooth, soft, hard, etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual. Sandpapers with different grit offer different textures.

 

DOWNLOAD

▪  Proud as a Peacock Presentation

▪ Proud as a Peacock Lesson Plan

 

TEACHERS/PARENTS RESOURCES

▪ Distance Learning Tips – Suggestions to help make this experience enjoyable for all.

▪ Elements of Art – Resource sheet with vocabulary used by artists.