James Whistler - Nocturne in Black and Gold

(1834–1903), US painter and etcher; full name James Abbott McNeill Whistler. He mainly painted in one or two colors and sought to achieve harmony of color and tone. Notable works: Arrangement in Gray and Black: The Artist's Mother (portrait known as Whistler's Mother, 1872) and Old Battersea Bridge: Nocturne—Blue and Gold ( c. 1872–75).


James Whistler slideshow link is at bottom of post.
This project is from the Usborne Art Treasury Book.
(see link to right)
They're going to create their own Fireworks painting.
Materials:  Large purple paper
Sponges cut up into small rectangles.
Pink, Orange, Dark Purple paint
cotton balls
purple and yellow chalk or pastel.
small paint brushes for splattering.
small disposable paper plates for paint.
a couple of blow dryers

1. Draw a low horizon line on a piece of purple paper.
2.  Use a sponge to dab some pink and orange paint in patches above and below the line.
3. Rinse the sponges, or use clean ones and Press its flat side into
dark purple paint, then print a blocky shape above the line for buildings.
4.  Print more blocky shapes, they can use it any direction, or the side of it too.
Have them do the same block shapes below the horizon lines upside down to show a reflection in the water. ( you might have to demonstrate this or show this to them)
 5.  Have a couple people stationed in the back to dry the paint with a dryer if its too
wet.  It should dry pretty quickly if they don't gob it on.
6.  when the paint is dry, use a cotton ball to smudge on purple and yellow chalk or
pastel for smoke.  the smoke will be just above the horizon line hovering over the buildings.
7. Mix some runny paint in yellow and reds.  Dip in a brush, hold it over the paper and flick the bristles.
Don't forget their names on the back and take photos when they are done for Artsonia

Link to James Whistler slideshow