Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, students compare and contrast the work of the Wyeth family of artists. Students work in expert teams to research the life and work of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and James Wyeth. N.C.'s daughters, Carolyn and Henriette, were also artists; however, visual images of their work in print or on the Internet are unfortunately very limited.
Length of Lesson:
Six 45-minute periods
Notes:
This lesson can be adapted for students in grades 6-8.
Instructional Objectives:
Students will:
- learn about the three generations of the Wyeth family: N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and James Wyeth.
- Students will learn to compare and contrast works of art in relation to the artists who created them.
Instructional Plan:
Introduce the lesson by discussing the three generations of Wyeth artists using the handouts and images from the books and/or the Internet. (See "Sources")
Group students into teams of three. Each student on the team will be assigned or will choose N.C., Andrew, or James Wyeth as their research subject. Give students time to research and become "experts" on the life and works of their assigned artist. Have students write a brief summary of their research, with references.
Have students return to their teams and share what they have learned. Groups should compare and contrast the works of the three artists. Ask students to consider: What is similar and what is different in subject matter, composition, color selection, individual preferences, techniques, media, materials, life styles, etc.? A graphic organizer may help students compile their findings.
Each team will present their findings to the class, with supporting visual examples and rationale from their research.
After all presentations have been made, compile a summary comparison study of all the factors found by the class.
Assessment:
Provide each team with the following self-assessment questions:
- Did your team work well together?
- Was your research thorough?
- Did all members of the group think about and discuss their findings before reaching conclusions?
Grade the short research papers and group presentations.
Extensions:
Examine another family of American artists, such as the Peale family. How do their images reflect their era? How do they compare with the Wyeth's work today?
Take a field trip to a museum containing works by one or more of the Wyeths.
Sources:
Print:
- Duff, J., American Visions: Three Generations of Wyeth Art. Boston: Bulfinch Pub., 1987.
- Balanger, P., ed. Capturing Nureyev: James Wyeth Paints the Dancer. Boston: University Press, 2001.
Web:
Authors:
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Joyce Payne, Arts Education Consultant
West Barnstable, MA
