Elementary Art Assignment 5: Surrealism ‘Pencil Versus Camera Assignment’

In the immersive unit titled 'Artists That Plan,' students were immersed in the rich world of Surrealism as an art movement. The focal point of their artistic exploration culminated in the 'Pencil Versus Camera Assignment,' where they seamlessly combined observational skills with realism drawing techniques to craft imaginative Surrealism artworks.

A pivotal element of the unit's research component beckoned students to delve into the captivating works of Surrealist painter Vladimir Kush and the Metaphysical paintings of Giorgio de Chirico, both celebrated artists with distinct styles. Through critical analysis, students navigated the intricate nuances of painting techniques, styles, and the technical approaches employed by these visionary artists. This comprehensive investigation also tasked students with dissecting the elements of art and principles of design evident in the masterpieces of Kush and de Chirico.

Armed with newfound insights, the grade 6 M.Y.P. Art students undertook the challenge of translating their creative thinking and organizational skills into the realm of 3-dimensional Surrealist artworks. Their task was to conjure fantasy characters and seamlessly integrate them into enlarged photo-backgrounds, creating a visually striking composition. The formidable challenge lay in imbuing their figures, characters, and objects with a sense of three-dimensionality.

To overcome this obstacle, students deftly applied a variety of illustrative pencil mark-making sketching techniques. These techniques, including strategic use of value, shading, and mark-making, were instrumental in infusing their creations with depth and dimension. The resulting Surrealist artworks not only showcased the students' artistic prowess but also demonstrated their adeptness at merging the fantastical with the tangible.

In the wake of this unit, students emerged not only with a heightened appreciation for Surrealism but also with a refined skill set that transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic expression. The fusion of imagination, observational skills, and technical prowess showcased in their Surrealism artworks stands as a testament to the transformative power of artistic exploration in the realm of education.