Studying the Human Figure and Gesture

Fourth grade studied the human figure and the how artists can utilize gesture in their artwork. Students thought about body language and non-verbal communication. We looked at artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Keith Haring. Fourth grade contemplated questions such as, "How do artists use exaggeration, scale, repetition and form to create an impact on the viewer?". This unit included drawing figures from life as students practiced drawing one another. They also practiced drawing mannequins and considered proportion. When looking at Keith Haring, they created complex colored pencil compositions that demonstrated a knowledge of movement and rhythm in art. The unit ends with students created their own exaggerated wire armature and plaster sculptures.