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Lesson Plan

Teacher:  Ms, Max

Grade Level:  4

Title:  Middle Eastern Fabric Design

Brief History and Background:

Fabric Painting was a popular form of art in Western cultures during the early to mid 1900s.  Many of the patterns were influenced by ornament designs of the Orient and Middle East.  This was a time-period of Western colonization in the Middle East, in countries such as Egypt.  The patterns had geometric and curved lines also called 'diaper ornaments'. The patterns of the ornamental fabric paintings resemble those seen in Persian rugs, Egyptian decor, Islamic wall tiles, etc.  The art of the fabric painting revolved around the idea of wearing these styles of decorative and multi-cultural designs.  The elements of the designs are repeating patterns that include geometric shapes and vegetal designs known as 'Arabesque'.  These designs are used to symbolize the everlasting spirit and nature of God or Allah.

Standards:

Pennsylvania Academic Standards for:
 
Arts and Humanities
9.1 Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities
9.1 Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.1 Demonstrate and maintain materials, equipment and tools safely at work and performance spaces.
9.2 Relate works in the arts to varying styles and genre and to the periods in which they were created
9.2 Identify, explain and analyze common themes, forms and techniques from works in the arts


Goal:   Students will create ornamental painted fabrics.

Objectives:

Students will:

•    improve psycho-motor skills by  measuring and applying elements of design
•    improve psycho-motor skills by tracing the outline of design.
•    improve cognitive skills by selecting colors.
•    improve motor skills by painting shapes in patterns with color.
•    have affective responses in creating Persian Rug styled cloths.

    
Resource Materials/Visual Aides:

Power point presentation
Visual displays and exemplars

Supplies/Materials:

36 x  24 inch canvas or muslin
fabric paint
paint brushes: small, medium, and large 'round'
soft pencils
pattern templates
(3) 8 x 12 inch white papers
36 x 24 inch newsprint paper
blue chalk
Optional:
    dowel rods
    fabric tape

Teacher Preparation:

Set up exemplars and Power point
Have supplies readily accessible at supply station


Introduction:

Teacher will introduce subject with handouts about Middle Eastern ornamental designs, colors, and methods of application. Students will participate in discussion of how color and pattern were significant to Persian, Egyptian, and Arabic cultures.  Discuss symbolism of shapes. Students will answer the following questions:

•    What is pattern?
•    How is pattern applied in different cultures?
•    What important factors are in the Middle Eastern designs?
•    Do the examples presented create the sense of unity?
•    How?

Directions:

1.    Clear drawing surface
2.    Layout paper –horizontal for landscape viewpoint or vertical
3.    Have drawing supplies ready
4.    Select patterns from Persian, Egyptian, or Arabic ornaments
5.    Sketch the patterns lightly onto one 36 x 24" paper
6.    Make adjustments to proportions and perspectives
7.    color back of paper generously with chalk
8.    trace pattern onto fabric
9.    color pattern on fabric with paint and paint brushes
10.    allow to dry.
11.    Seal seams with fabric tape
12.    Create Middle Eastern designed fabrics


Critique/Evaluation/Assessment:

•    Teacher and Student Critique
•    Are the principles of atmospheric perspective applied accurately?
•    In which manner are they applied, subtle or intense?
•    Do they create the sense of design, harmony, and unity?
•    How?
•    Are the colors and shapes effective?
•    How?
•    Is there emphasis on any shape?
•    Do the designs display an understanding of how to apply pattern, color, and unity?
•    
•    Research: Unit review:    
•    aesthetic critique essay
    
Time Budget:

50 mins. a week for 3 weeks
5 min. introduction
40 min. work period
2 min. group review
3 min. clean up

Vocabulary:
1)    Ornament- a decorative pattern or design
2)    Harmony- application of similar elements consistently throughout the picture
3)    Unity- all the parts of the drawing are portrayed as one, whole, not separate and unconnected
4)    Outline - drawing without shading
5)    diaper ornaments- designs with curved and geometric lines
6)    Proportion - proper size and space relationship in an object as a whole

Safety Concerns:
n/a

Extensions

Miscellaneous design making on pre-patterned templates
Prepare for hanging with fabric tape and dowel rods

Bibliography/References:

Artpedia (2009) http://www.artpedia.com/
Wikipedia (2009) http://www.wikipedia.org/
Fabric Painting http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/content/articles/2008/11/03/painted_fabrics_limited_feature.shtml
Audsley, W.&G., Designs and Patterns From Historic Ornament. 1968. Dover Publications, New York