Larger Than Life
Francisco de Goya's genre paintings inspire original fantasy drawings in response to literature and real life.
1. Francisco de Goya was born on March 30, 1746, in Fuentendos, Spain, and was known for his haunting political satire painting and his imaginative portraits, which were dramatic and close to caricatures. His attention to detail enabled him to note both the reality of a situation (the everyday items and details) and the potential for imaginative additions to his subjects. The painting Colossus shows his imagination quite well, while Portrait of Mariana Waldstein exemplifies his keen observational skills. Many of his paintings were political commentaries, using dramatic color and light to further dramatize his work.
2. Read classic or contemporary fantasy stories, either individually or with the group. Imagine how Goya might have illustrated these stories.
3. To create your own genre painting (painting of everyday life) that also includes fantasy, imagine yourself in an everyday setting. On white paper, use Crayola® Washable Markers to draw yourself in a familiar place, such as your bedroom or your yard.
4. Then draw a thought bubble of yourself, doing something terrific! Imagine yourself larger than life, doing whatever you dream you could do. Think about Goya's Colossus and create an imaginative image of yourself that is strong and bold. Use bold and vibrant colors to make a powerful impact with your drawing, as Goya did with his paintings.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
- Illustrate scenes from a fantasy story using Goya's style.
- Goya was also very well known for his portraiture. Look closely at his Group on a Balcony. Use Crayola Crayons to draw a group portrait of yourself and a few friends, talking casually on your balcony or porch.
- Older students locate Goya's political satire and create a contemporary illustration in his style, using their knowledge of current events.
Metric on the Move
Growing! Growing! Bar Graph
Star Gazer
