31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists- DAY 2: Magritte

Title: Magritte's Marvelous Hat, by D.B. Johnson
Estimated time: 35min- 1 hour
Project: Magritte Photobooth Props
About the artist: (1898-1967) Rene' Magritte was a surrealist painter. Surrealism was an art movement that began in the 20's and explored the subconscious mind and dreams. Magritte liked to make humorous/absurd artworks. Magritte was friends with Dali whom you will learn about later this week. The Son of Man, a self portrait or Magritte with a bowler hat and a green apple covering his face, is one of his most well known paintings- Magritte's Marvelous Hat is about this painting. He also paints eyes with blue sky's and clouds and very imaginative works.

Summary: Read or watch the clip here: Magritte's Marvelous Hat, then study his works. Follow this lesson to create an artwork inspired by Rene' Magritte.

Objectives: Identify the elements of art (line, shape, form, space, value, texture and color), Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes, Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.

Supplies: 

• Card stock
• Printer optional
• Coloring tools: We painted ours, but you can use crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.
• Scissors
• Skewers or popsicle sticks, you can also use branches from outside :)
• Tape or hot glue

Son of Man-1969, Pipe-1928, The False Mirror-1928

Can you tell who this person is? Why? Can you tell how this man is feeling? Why do you think he chose to cover his face with an apple? Where is this man standing? The pipe reads: "This is not a pipe," is it? The eye has clouds instead of a pupil, what would you paint there instead?

Magritte's Photobooth Props:

1. You can hand draw and then color/paint your Magritte Photobooth props by hand or simply print here. Make sure to print on cardstock or heavier weight paper.
2. Paint or color all your props, then set aside to dry if you painted them. Don't worry about staying in lines.
   
3. Cut out props.
4. Place prop with color side down and attach stick to back side. You can tape it or with adult supervision hot glue prop to stick.
   
5. Voila! Magritte Inspired Photobooth Props. 
6. TIME FOR FUN! Take some photos using your new props.
   

These images are suitable for children, please be aware when doing a search for artists you may find imagery that is not age appropriate.
31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists