RomeroBrittoArtLesson

Art
with
Romero Britto
Share What went well and what would you change?
As students finish their work they hang their art on the “Art Line” that runs the length of
my room. As a classroom community of artists, we have a final critique at the end of
each lesson. I have students ask two questions of their peers. What worked well? What
would they do differently if they could do it all over again? This keeps students from
being critical and encouraged them to be specific. I always have a discussion with
students about saying that they “like” or “dislike” something about someone’s art and I
explain that neither adjectives help the student grow as an artist and so they must be
specific about exactly what they like. For example a student could say, “I like the way
he/she divided the coffee cup into three triangles and used complimentary colors for
contrast.” This encourages their art words and discussions naturally.
Extensions: What can I do if I finish early?
When students finish early I have them do a short essay in their sketch book about this
project. What did they find was successful about their project? If you were to do this
project again what would you do differently? This gets them thinking about their own art
critically before the formal critique with the entire class.Students may also read some
printed material about Romero Britto and make notes in their sketchbook along with their
plan.When my lesson was published I sent Mr. Britto a copy of the magazine and in
return he sent me a signed copy of one of his books. I let the students look through that
when they finish.
Assessment: Student and teacher evaluation.
Students receive formative assessment during the planning stage from myself. We have
a dialog about choices they are making and I encourage them to push their comfort limits
to take chances. I use an art rubric for my assessment tool to formally grade their
artwork. They can leave comments and they also receive comments from me on their
work. I model constructive critiquing by never telling them they did “good,” but telling
them what they did specifically that was “good.” I do the same thing with suggestions. I
never give them my opinion but rather I give them suggestions about specific things that
would make them stronger artists.
© Art with Jenny K./Jenny Knappenberger 2014. www.artwithjennyk.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED