Matthew Cusick

If this artist doesn't get your lesson plan gears turning, I don't know what will!  Matthew Cusick creates these beautiful artworks made entirely out of collaged maps.  This would be a great way to teach students about color, value and plane changes.  The idea of using maps or found materials also gives them the opportunity to tell a story and add a new layer of meaning to their work.  I can't wait to try it out with my kids!

Kehinde Wiley

Morpheus

My students have really been enjoying Kehinde Wiley.  For those of you unfamiliar with his work, he takes paintings from art history and recreates the poses using modern African American men.  Lots of lesson possibilities with this artist.

Mona Makeover!

For finals I have my level one painters choose an artist from a list to research independently.  The take home final project requires that they prepare a presentation on that artist for the day of the final as well as to create a painting of the Mona Lisa in the style of their artist.  This allows them to not only show off their best painting skills to me but also their ability to transform style and concept into a new interpretation.