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The ABCs of Art and the Oeuvre de Léger

When I teach children to read and write, I begin with the ABCs—phonics to words to phrases to sentences and beyond. The possibilities are limitless.

When I teach children to appreciate and make art, I again begin with ABCs—line, texture, value, shape, and color.  Again, the possibilities are limitless.

When it comes to introducing the potential of shape in visual art, French artist, Fernand Léger (1881-1955) is always invited to the Guild. 

In art, we begin by looking. And for this Léger lesson we looked at one of his wonderful "studies" titled, Étude Pour L' Anniversaire, 1950 (pen and ink on paper):

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And after a thorough session of looking and discussing all the wonderful integrated shapes, the drawing began:

 

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The strokes were sketchy at first, until the apprentices were satisfied that their shapes echoed the original work.

Next, we inked in the drawing, erasing pencil lines as we went. 

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When the observing, sketching, and inking was completed, we stood back from our studies and discussed what happens next by exploring Léger works related to his study:

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L’ Anniversaire, 1950 (gouache on paper)

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Birthday, Two Women, 1950 (oil on canvas) 

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Birthday, Two Women, 1950 (oil on canvas) 

 

-Kim