On a Starry Night Poetry Frame

Show off poetry by framing it in original art based on a masterpiece. Create special effects and add drama to your writing!

• 1.

  In advance, adults prepare enough large, varied cardboard frames for everyone in the class. Cut out an area in each frame for student writing to show through. The outside part of the frame should be large enough for students to add their graphic art. Save cardboard scraps.

• 2.

  Review art pieces in a variety of styles. Students each select a masterpiece that inspires them. They will create their own art inspired by the masterpiece and write a poem, prose, or story to accompany their work. Students brainstorm words that they see/think/feel as they look at their masterpieces. They use this list as a basis to write a poem or free verse with Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils. It’s easy to correct spellings or change your mind when you can erase!

• 3.

  Choose a frame. Write the final poetry on lined paper in a format that fills the open space of the frame. Trim the edges to fit. Set the writing aside.

• 4.

  Sketch the masterpiece on the frame. Focus on basic shapes because details will be covered with paint. Cover the painting area with newspaper.

• 5.

  Paint several layers with Crayola Tempera Paints, air-drying the paint between each layer. Refer to a color wheel to choose analogous colors for added interest.

• 6.

  Mix a Crayola Tempera Mixing Medium into the paint as desired. For areas with deep dimension, mix equal amounts of Texture It! and paint. Similarly, mix equal amounts of Pearl It! or Glitter It! with paint to achieve those effects. Experiment with combina

• 7.

  In the final layer of paint, students add details. Coat with Mixing Medium if desired. Air-dry the painting.

• 8.

  Glue cardboard scraps on the back of the painting around the open area to create added dimension between the frame and the writing. Glue the edges of the written material and place into the opening. Air-dry the glue.

• 9.

  Together, decide how to display the group’s work. Include reproductions of the inspirational art. Provide writing materials near the display to encourage viewers to add their own feelings and thoughts about the exhibit.

Benefits

• Students respond to reproductions of famous art and connect them to their own lives, thoughts, and feelings.
• Students use written language skills to express their thoughts inspired by a chosen artwork.
• Students create an original, textured painting to convey the feelings evoked by the masterpiece.

Adaptations

• All students choose one artist, research background information of that artist/art style, and create their own work as inspired by the masterpieces.
• Provide artwork from a specific geographic region or time period. Plan this project as a concluding activity for a social studies unit.
• Make a series of artwork, beginning with the teacher creating a painting inspired by a masterpiece. Then one student creates a painting inspired by the teacher’s work. Another student becomes inspired by that students’ piece, and so on. Display in the order in which the paintings were created.
• Assessment: Students will be successful if they have created a painting and poem that is somehow related to a reproduction of a famous artwork. They will engage in the writing process and make it part of the visual presentation of their work.