Seton Hill University

Greensburg, PA 15601

Lesson Plan for Art Education Majors

Title: Tissue Paper Painting Grade 1 Description: Students will be learning about Helen Frankenthaler and her famous style of painting during the Abstract Expressionism movement. We will discuss how she painted and provide examples for the students to explore. They will create their own Color-Field style painting using tissue paper and water. The dye from the tissue paper will stain into a white sheet of paper. They will express their creativity by choosing the color tissue paper they wish to use and the way they place it on the paper. Behavioral Objectives/Essential Questions (3-5): What is Abstraction? What is Color-Field art? Who is Helen Frankenthaler and what style of art did she excel in? How does tissue paper act as a painting material? Pennsylvania State Academic Standards: 9.1.3.A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities. 9.1.3.B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts. 9.1.3.C: Recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms. 9.1.3.J: Know and use traditional and contemporary technologies for producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others. Modifications for Individual Differences: Those who have special needs may work with a partner when applying water to the tissue paper. Gifted/talented students are encouraged to create an abstract piece that may lend itself to be a landscape, an animal, a person, etc. Materials and/or Equipment: Promethean Board (ActivInspire Responder) White construction paper Torn tissue paper Paintbrushes Water bowls Anticipatory Set: Students will look over examples of Helen Frankenthalers artwork. I will address with the students who she is and the style of artwork she produced. They will use the ActivInspire Responders to address if they like the paintings and we will discuss why they like them or why they do not. I will then introduce how students will be using the dye of tissue paper as paint and provide a demonstration of what they will be creating. Student Work Time: Step 1: Paint a small area of the paper with water Step 2: Lay a piece of tissue paper onto the wet surface Step 3: Brush over the tissue paper with water Step 4: Continue the process until the majority of the paper is filled Step 5: Remove the tissue paper and discard to reveal their painting Closure: Encourage the children to use their imagination and ask if they can see anything (a landscape, seascape, etc.) in their painting. Was it intentional? Grading the student: Students understand the meaning of Abstraction. Students know who Helen Frankenthaler is and her most well-known style of art. Students created their own Abstract, Color-Field piece by using tissue paper dye as a painting material.