This fifth grade lesson began with 2 posters of the Multnomah Falls in Oregon. I spent an afternoon this past summer just watching the water cascade down the face of the rocks at Multnomah Falls. What stayed with me was the power created by the direction of the water propelling down. The two posters I chose showed this strength.

We began this 3 part lesson with a discussion of how direction plays an important role in a painting. Besides the posters, we had a book of Oregon seascapes which also show the many directions water can take. This led into a discussion of how the artist shows the action and direction with brush strokes, textures and colors.

The students then had time to practice creating action and strong directional textures with crayons. Those who were ready sketched their landscape onto the final paper, using a light application of crayon. The following two weeks were devoted to painting with a limited palette of tempera paints.

Since the only limit on the subject was a landscape using water to create a feeling of strong movement, the results were extremely varied.

Here are samples of student work from Mrs. Walker's and Miss Mangano's fifth grade classes.

Gladys





Danny








Ariana












See the next page for more pictures.

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