Our latest classroom project, titled ‘Post-Impressionism Blow My Mind’ invited students to delve into the world of Post-Impressionism, creating vibrant and emotionally charged artworks using chalk pastels.
The goal was to encourage students to explore both the internal and external landscapes of their chosen subjects, emphasizing expressive color, distinctive mark-making, and the potential for exaggerated or distorted forms.
This project was delivered and facilitated through the ‘Engage and Persist’ studio habit of mind pedagogical approach, fostering a deep, sustained engagement with their artistic process and subject matter.
Student Achievements
Our young artists produced remarkable pieces, each reflecting their unique emotional journeys and artistic visions. By employing vivid colors and varied mark-making techniques, they successfully conveyed a wide range of emotions, from warmth and comfort to tranquility and contemplation.
Let’s take a closer look at four standout pieces from this project:
1. The Cozy Fireplace
Inspired by the work of Édouard Vuillard, this artwork depicts a figure tending to a glowing fireplace. The use of warm oranges and yellows contrasts sharply with the dark, shadowy room, evoking feelings of warmth and solitude. Vuillard’s influence is evident in the intimate, personal space and the artist’s focus on capturing the quiet, comforting atmosphere through soft, flowing lines.
2. Contemplation at Sunset
This piece, inspired by Paul Gauguin, brings a memory to life with a serene sunset over water. The artist uses a blend of blues and oranges to create a tranquil and nostalgic scene. A solitary figure in a hat gazes out over the horizon, adding a contemplative mood. Gauguin’s influence is visible in the exotic color palette and the use of broad, expressive strokes to evoke a sense of calm and introspection.
3. The Serene River Path
This artwork, inspired by both Édouard Vuillard and Vincent van Gogh, depicts a peaceful river path flanked by trees. The use of yellows and greens creates an inviting landscape, while the purple river contrasts with the warm surroundings. The artist combines Vuillard’s intimate portrayal of natural scenes with Van Gogh’s vivid color palette and energetic mark-making, reflecting a journey through a serene environment.z
4. Expressive Portrait
This portrait captures the essence of a person with vivid colors and expressive mark-making, drawing heavy inspiration from Vincent van Gogh. The artist uses a combination of intense hues and varied strokes to convey a range of emotions. The background, filled with energetic lines and colors, adds to the dynamic feel of the piece, echoing Van Gogh’s emotive style and his ability to infuse portraits with profound emotional depth.
The ‘Engage and Persist’ Approach
Throughout this project, the ‘Engage and Persist’ studio habit of mind was integral to our teaching methodology. Students were encouraged to remain deeply engaged with their work, persistently exploring and refining their techniques to fully convey their intended emotions. This approach not only helped them develop their technical skills but also allowed them to understand the emotional power of visual art.
Conclusion
The Post-Impressionist ‘Blow My Mind’ Pastel Project was a resounding success, demonstrating our students’ ability to create emotionally resonant artworks. By embracing the ‘Engage and Persist’ approach, they learned to deeply engage with their artistic processes, resulting in pieces that are both technically proficient and rich in emotional content. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as artists
MMI Art Expanded Classroom 
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