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Lesson Plans

Spark creativity with Crayola lesson plans. With hundreds of activities, the learning possibilities are endless. 

Miró Images

Spanish artist Joan Miró was known for his use of  lines, biomorphic shapes, and geometric forms. Students will explore his life and work and create their own original artwork in his style.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Joan Miró (1893-1983) was a Spanish surrealist painter noted for his interest in the the unconscious or subconscious mind. In fact, surrealist artists sought to channel the unconscious as a means to unlock the power of imagination. Have students look at images of some of his works such as "The Smile of the Flamboyant Wings" (1953), "Figures and Dog in front of the Sun" (1949), and "Painting" (1933). Ask them to describe some of the lines and shapes they see. Can they find  circles, squares, triangles, or other geometric shapes? How about organic blobs? Are the lines straight, curved, or angled?

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create their own images in the style of Miró. Have them use images of his work as inspiration, and remind them that he used biomorphic shapes to depict people or animals. This means that they did not resemble actual beings but would give the illusion of an actual form. 

  • Step 3

    Have students present their work and talk about the lines and shapes they used and talk about the images they portrayed. 

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art. 

MATH: Create models that demonstrate math concepts and attend to precision. 

Adaptations

Joan Miró also made sculptures. Have students look at some of these, such as "Personage," "Woman and Bird,"  or "The Caress of a Bird," all of which are whimsical and very colorful. Challenge students to create their own Miró-inspired sculpture out of Model Magic.

Joan Miró was from Catalonia located in  Barcelona, Spain. There is a Catalan tradition of building a human tower called a "castell" (castle) at festivals. Have students learn about this art and look at images of some of the amazing human formations.