Summary

This activity introduces the pupils to the pointillist technique of painting. The first screen introduces pupils to the term "pointillist" and some of the artists that used the technique. The second screen provides a picture as an example to discuss. The next screen shows how artists use colour in this technique, by applying small dots of primary colours so that from a distance they blend together. The next screen allows the pupils to have a go at the technique using a colour palette and the primary colours. The last screen gives some discussion points for the class to discuss either before, or after completing their activities.

Suitable for

Year 6

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

The lesson would work in the same way on a normal screen computer, using the mouse tool instead of a finger.

Prior learning required

Pupils would need to know their basic colour-mixing theory (primary colours are used to make the secondary colours).

Aims and objectives

Knowledge and understanding
Learn about the role of specific artists who developed the technique "pointillist art".
Respond practically to art from a variety of cultures and periods (including Welsh examples).

Vocabulary - pointillist technique

Making
To investigate methods of painting using a variety of resources.

Evaluating and developing work
Compare approaches in their own work to that of others (including other artists).

Timings

Introduction of the topic using the interactive whiteboard would take approximately 15-20 minutes to go through the screens and discuss the pictures. Pupils would need to spend a little time on screen 4, creating their own pointillist picture using dots, although this could later be completed as follow-up activity so that all pupils could have a turn.

The colour wheel activity gives the pupils a chance to practise the technique and explore and develop their use of colour. This would take approximately 20-30 minutes.

The main painting activity could be extended to be completed over two sessions, as a lot of detail is required to give the colour depth. The smaller the dots used, the more effective the technique becomes.

Evaluations of the pupils' work are also important. The pupils could spend a session showing and discussing their work alongside the pictures they have used as a stimulus for their work, including the Welsh landscape pictures.

Suggestions for group activities

Use the pointillist technique to make your own colour wheel, using only red, blue and yellow paint.

Look at either Big Ben (Andre Derain) or The Seine at Le Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat). Make your own pointillist painting based on either of these paintings. Sketch a light outline in pencil first and then use the pointillist technique to fill in the colour using paints and a round-ended implement (end of a paint brush, pencil, pipe cleaner, feather). Try out a variety of tools to see what different marks you can make. Use dots of primary colours to make secondary colours. Compare your painting to the original. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Have you used the pointillist technique?

Suggestions for differentiation

Younger pupils could use their fingers instead of a round-ended painting implement - remember to use a different finger for each colour!

As an extension, pupils could take a painting of a Welsh landscape (see www.bridge-gallery.co.uk) and paint it using the pointillist technique.

Welsh landscape websites:
www.art-of-europe.com/welsh_landscapes.htm
www.orielgallery.com/local1.htm

Further activities

Look up the word "pointillist" on the internet. Which artists used this technique? Print off some pictures done using the pointillist technique. Make a scrapbook of art and artists who use the pointillist technique.

National curriculum links

Welsh - Welsh landscape pictures
History - artists of the past (Derain, Seurat)
Geography - places: Big Ben, the Seine, Paris