High School

Artwork by David B., grade twelve.

The Essential Question
How does creating enrich peopleʼs lives?

Objective
Students will use knowledge of color theory to create a music-inspired abstract portrait painting.

Materials
tempera paint, brushes, water cups, paper towels, 90# drawing paper, pencils, erasers, palettes, sketchbooks

Procedures

1. Ask students to think about the type of music they enjoy listening to. Ask them to communicate their feelings and emotions when listening to their favorite music.
2. Students explore ideas for a composition in their sketchbooks and choose a color scheme to reflect their music and emotions. Ask students to think about the psychology of those chosen colors and how it can influence the viewerʼs mood.
3. Students draw and paint an 18 x 12" (30 x 46 cm) portrait of the musician whose work inspires them.

Frank Juárez is an art teacher at Sheboygan North High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.