Visual Art Lesson: Expressionism
Teacher Book Review: Express This! Activities and Adventures in Expressionism
Book Review
Book Title: Express Yourself! Activities and Adventures in Expressionism
Author: Joyce Raimondo
Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications
Teacher Review
Ramondo has written four outstanding art books to introduce students to Surrealism, Expressionism, Impressionism, and Pop Art. Her books are a great resource for teachers as they have simple art projects and numerous open ended questions about examining art forms. Activities and Adventures in Expressionism is one of four in her Art Explorers Series.
Ramondo showcases some of the great Expressionist artwork to encourage students to go on a self discovery journey. Vincent Van Gogh was an example of a great Expressionist, whose art portrayed his inner life and emotions. In addition, she has included powerful thinking questions for the students. The author asks questions about the infamous Scream picture from 1893. Throughout the book, Ramondo has provided many questions to encourage students to think about the artist and their work. Art is more than the mere paint on a blank canvas but rather an artist’s feelings are revealed on the canvas.
Teaching expressionism to students gives them a venue to put their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings into something concrete. Express Yourself is an influential tool to guide students to listen to their inner self and to give it a voice. Often our feelings are locked because we do not have a venue to express them. Ramondo’s book gives teachers wonderful lessons for students to express them.
After reading Express Yourself, I concluded it had tremendous value in teaching an art style but also to open discussions on drugs, bullying, and much more. Raimondo provide detailed art lessons with excellent facts about the art of Expressionism to be utilized by teachers for their students.
Joyce Raimondo wrote an attention-grabbing book that allows teachers to veer from the more traditional art to art that can be incorporated into a variety of subjects. Her book is geared for junior, middle, and high school students. Enjoy implementing her lessons into your classroom effortlessly.
Joyce Raimondo Books
Imagine That!: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism
Picture This!: Activities and Adventures in Impressionism
