A pioneer school located in Harrisburg, Banner County, Nebraska

Art

Lesson time: 10 minutes 

OBJECTIVES:  Students will learn the historical background of an artist and critically examine a reproduction of his work for its artistic elements and aesthetic appeal. 

A reproduction of “The Gleaners” by Jean-François Millet hangs in the front of the class room.  The teacher will conduct a picture study exercise with this famous painting.  A discussion is fueled by such questions as: What is the subject of this painting?  What is the subject doing?  What are some of the details in the background? What colors are used?  Where do you see curving shapes?  What time of day is it?  How did you decide?  What age do you think the three women are?  Why?  What is the proportion of the figures to the background?  What does this painting seem to say about field work?

The students will do a simple drawing on their slates under the direction of the teacher.  The teacher will instruct the students to draw various shapes with the end result being a drawing of a bird.