Romare Bearden

Just finished up a unit on Romare Bearden.  He was a really neat guy to study! We started the unit out by watching a DVD Series....Dropping In On Romare Bearden In the DVD, Puffer lands in New York City to interview the famous artist Romare Bearden. Bearden uses a variety of media to make his unique images depicting family, urban life, and music themes. Puffer analyzes the artworks and thereby helps children to learn new ways to observe and think about art. 19 minutes.  This series of DVD's are really good.  The explanation of the art work is done on a level that the kids "get it".

The story includes a biography about Romare that covers his love of music and how the world of jazz finds its way into his work. Numerous examples of Romare's art are shown and discussed in a very engaging, child-friendly manner. Included with the visual component of the product is a resource guide with biographical information, details about the paintings and suggestions for follow-up activities.

I have included several links below for you to find more information on Bearden:

• http://www.nga.gov/education/classroom/bearden/
• http://www.beardenfoundation.org/education/lessons.shtml
• http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/connie-Romare.htm
• http://www.mmoca.org/mmocacollects/lesson_page.php?id=5

A few good quotes from Bearden:

• "What you don't need is just as important as what you do need." 
• "The most difficult object in painting is yourself because you're always at issue..." 
• "Painting and art cannot be taught. You can save time if someone tells you to put blue and yellow together to make green, but the essence of painting is a self-disciplined activity that you have to learn by yourself."

Thanks for stopping by! xox, Kim 1969