Free Lesson Plan: Expressionist Psychological Landscapes with Acrylic Paints

Expressionism painting
Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

Expressionist Psychological Landscapes – Acrylic Paints

Level: Middle School

Duration: Three 45-minute class periods 

Historical Overview: German Expressionism and Max Beckman (1884-1950)

Goals and Objectives: To introduce paint media and psychological use of figure

Vocabulary: Expressionism, acrylics, glazes

Materials: Acrylic paints, brushes, plastic containers

Procedures:

Day 1

  1. Anticipatory Set: Show posters and books of images of different German Expressionist paintings.
  2. Slide lecture on history of Expressionism.
  3. Class discussion on artist Max Beckman.
  4. Review color wheel use of black line.
  5. Review vocabulary.
  6. Demonstrate drawing a sketch using masking tape to cover areas of work and basic glazing techniques.
  7. Students create preliminary drawing with charcoals.

Day 2

  1. Students set up palettes.
  2. Students transfer sketch onto canvas.
  3. Students paint.

Day 3

  1. Students develop criteria.
  2. Students pick best painting.
  3. Students critique paintings.