DaDa project with Mona Lisa!

The Dada art movement only had one rule - Never follow any rules!
Marcel Duchamp is one of the most famous Dada artists.
He asks the question - What is ART?  He hoped to challenge people's perceptions of what art could be.
His famous painting is of Mona Lisa with a moustache.

I thought it would fun to take the infamous painting of Mona Lisa, that kids of all ages will most likely recognize, and see what happens when we give her a new identity.

Materials - 
- Color copies of the Mona Lisa, can be found online
- 8x10 or 11x14 white paper
- Glue sticks
- Pencils, markers or paints - your choice!

Directions -

1.  Each child will get a color copy of the Mona Lisa.  We discuss the original painting first then I begin to talk about DaDa, explaining that there are no rules and show Duchamp's example.  We talk about creating a new Mona Lisa, giving her a new body or new environment...maybe she's a butterfly, maybe a firefighter....whatever their little hearts desire!
2.  The children begin by cutting out Mona Lisa's face, using her hair too is optional.
3.  Each child then glues down her face on their white paper and begins to sketch their idea for the new Mona Lisa
4.  Once their sketch is complete they add color.
Remember - there are no rules...so if they ask, can Mona Lisa have 2 heads instead of one?
You simply say YES!

I love aluminum foil!

Check out these great pieces of abstract art made by using tissue paper, glitter and Mod Podge on a giant sheet of aluminum foil!  An instant masterpiece every time!

Edvard Munch and "Things that make us want to scream!"

Edvard Munch
Norwegian Expressionist painter
1863-1944

His best known painting is The Scream.
His art explored many topics such as life, love and fear.


Materials:
- Heavy white paper (11x14)
- Cardboard pre-cut by teacher into a tracing shape for the body of "The Screamer"
- Rulers
- Pencils
- Tempera paint and brushes
- A copy of The Scream

Directions:
1.  Look at the copy of The Scream and start a conversation about what the guy in the painting might be thinking.  Is he screaming because he is scared or annoyed or mad?  Ask the kids to start thinking about the things that would make them scream.  Some of the funniest responses for me were; "My brother", "Broccoli", "Republicans", "Homework"...you get the idea.
2.  Start by having the kids turn their paper vertically and trace the pre-cut shape of the body, front and center 
3.  Older kids can then use the ruler to help create and mimic the shape of the bridge in the original painting.
4.  Point of the people in the background of the original, the deep orange in the sky and the shades blues in the water
5.  After they kids have their pencil sketch then they can apply paint. Encourage color mixing to get those unique, beautiful colors.
6.  While the painting is drying, help the kids make out a list of "Things that make me want to scream!"  Then you can attach that list to the back of the painting when you send the project home.  It is sure to get some laughs.