Project ARTiculate

Shells with Georgia O'Keeffe

Grade 4

Karen Stomberg, FNSBSD Art Specialist

Students learn about the life and art of Georgia O'Keeffe, focusing on her large close-up paintings of shells. They play an observation game of hunting for shape, pattern and texture on photos of real shells, and then they use oil pastels to create a four-section study of actual shells.

Objectives and assessment criteria

Students will:

1. discuss American painter Georgia O'Keeffe and observe her large close-up paintings of shells.
2. differentiate and describe shapes, patterns and textures on shells.
3. review color theory with focus on warm colors, cool colors and value.
4. practice blending techniques using oil pastels.
5. create an oil pastel study of the topside and underside of 2 real shells with detailed pattern and texture.