Heartfelt/Handmade Activities: Theorem Painting

Purpose: To help the students understand the style and techniques of self-taught artists such

as those who made theorem paintings.

Illinois State Musuem Web site used:

https://www.museum.state.il.us/vrmuseum/muslink/art/htmls/hh.html (Corbeile de Fruitire)

Objective: After viewing the theorem painting section of Folk Art, the students will create a the-

orem painting by following specified steps and discuss how painting techniques and styles have

changed in still-life painting for students.

Grade Level: K-6, adapting the choice of materials

and techniques

Time Required: one to two 50-minute periods

Materials: painting paper and pencil

a set of tempera or acrylic paints for

stamping (or stencil paints if affordable)

brushes (stencil or other stiff)

either purchased sponge shapes, foamcore

shapes, pre-cut stencils (depending on

age)

(Alternatively, a collection of pictures of fruit,

foods, flowers, objects, could be cut

out and arranged and glued onto a drawing paper, using acrylic paint to modify the

motifs and add details and background.)

Motivation: Discuss with students the characteristics of theorem painting as they look at examples

of theorem still lifes. Brainstorm to compile a list of fruits, flowers, and types of containers to use

for a still life. The display of fruit, flowers, or food symbolizes abundance. What symbolizes abun-

dance today? Students may want to choose objects or natural forms from modern life for their

subject matter. Demonstrate the stencil technique (or stamping technique). Students can work from

the model of another theorem painting or print, or from the instructions and example.

Procedure:

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Choose the still life you want to make (a print, online printout, drawing of an

*

original).

*

Play with the arrangement of the fruit or other forms.

*

Choose colors for each motif.

Heartfelt/Handmade Activities: Theorem Painting--page 1