[Reprinted from my blog]
I’ve mentioned [on the blog] before that I have my art students read art history books every week. Each Monday, each student reads a new book from the “Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists” series by Mike Venezia. These books are a great introduction to the background, influences, training and unique qualities of these famous artists. They are written with simple language that my English learners can comprehend more easily than a standard textbook. Yet the text packs a punch. For example, this quote is from the book on El Greco:
El Greco was able to create a feeling of wonder or fear or excitement or love in his paintings. He did this by sometimes twisting and stretching out his figures to create movement. He used crackling, electric colors and mysterious lighting that seemed as if it came from another world - or from a science-fiction movie.
I have 45 books and each one covers a different artist. Originally I had my students respond to questions using short answers to generic questions about the artist’s training, influences, etc. If an answer was incorrect, I’d write in the correct answer so that the student understood. With 110+ papers to grade each week, you can imagine how long it took for this method.
I decided that multiple choice was a much faster way to go. The hard part was creating a separate multiple choice sheet for each and every artist. I’ve made 35 so far. I spent a good part of my winter break revamping the worksheets.
It was worth it. The new sheets are so fast to grade I can practically turn them back the same day. Not only that, but my questions are much easier for students to understand now that they can see sample answers.
I’ve also provided a large space on the back for students to redraw an artwork I specify from the book. I selected artworks that exemplify the style of the artist, and are often their most famous. I found that if I let the students choose which artwork to copy, they usually select the simplest one, and the artwork usually has little to do with the work that is most recognizable by the artist. Alternately, students would accidentally choose work by another artist, or even the cartoon illustrations.
I strongly believe in the tradition of copying artwork by the masters, as it introduces students to all kinds of ways to create line, shape and value. It also gives a student a much more intimate and memorable experience of the artist’s work than just glancing at pictures.
If you already are using the books in this series, you may like to use these worksheets I’ve already poured my sweat into and worked the kinks out of. If you are not using these books, I heartily recommend you order them from your favorite bookseller. Paperback copies retail for $6.95 each. They are suitable for grades 2-12. Heck, they’re suitable for adults; I certainly enjoyed reading them.
Without further ado, here are my two-sided worksheets along with my key: