Skip to Main Content

Fauvist Landscape

Students will learn about fauvism and create a "wild" piece of artwork.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Fauvism was a painting style that flourished in France around the turn of the 20th century. Have students learn about this style that favored bold bright colors often applied straight from the paint tubes. Students can achieve a similar bold effect with thick layers of oil pastel. What inspired the style? Why was it dubbed fauvism? Who were some of its notable artists? What was the reaction of critics to this style?

  • Step 2

    Have students look at some examples of fauvist paintings such as "View of Collioure" by Henri Matisse, "Effect of Sun on the Water, London" by Andre Derain, or "Man Smoking a Pipe" by Maurice de Vlaminck. Have them note the bold use of colors and the way the images seem to explode on the page.

  • Step 3

    Ask students to create a piece of artwork in the fauvist style. When they're done, have them present their work to the class and seek feedback on the emotions evoked by the colors and techniques used.

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

ARTS: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Adaptations

Ask students to create a drawing using a traditional or muted blend of colors and shading. Then ask them to recreate the image using a thick and bold application of colors. How does the mood change?

Have students explore the lives and work of Henri Matisse and Andrè Derain, two pioneers of fauvism.