Giotto Extension Activities

Giotto di Bondone’s fame grew throughout his life, attracting the attention and friendship of not only popes but also kings.  In 1334, three years before his death, the city of Florence appointed him chief of public works. He was in the middle of building the Campanile (‘Giotto’s Bell Tower’)  at the time of his death.  

He passed away wealthy, famous, and successful.

Read:

• A Boy Named Giotto by Paolo Guarnieri
• Giotto by Mike Venezia

Observe:

• Watch a slideshow of Giotto’s work
• Enjoy a short video biography of Giotto

Create:

Now that you have your own acrylic paints, it is time to figure out all that they can do.  Spread out the newspaper sometime this week and try a few of the ideas at TinyRottenPeanuts.  Which technique is your favorite?

Consider:

In Giotto's time it wasn't unusual for an artist paint all of their most famous work in churches.  Times have changed, but the fact that we find Giotto's frescoes only in places of worship. gives us something to consider today. In 1Cor. 10:31 we learn,

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.“

What do you think that means?  What do Biblical scholars think?  

Did you miss this month's lesson?  Find the complete instructions for our project at LibertyHillHouse.com

Giotto di Bondone

Portrait of Giottodetail of Five Masters of the Florentine Renaissance
Paulo Uccello
c. 1450, Tempera on wood
Musée du Louvre, Paris 

Isn't it amazing that we can still enjoy artwork from 700 years ago?  

Giotto Di Bondone (referred to as simply Giotto) was an architect, sculptor and painter in Florence.  His work was so influential that he is known as the first artistic genius of the Italian Renaissance.  

Giotto di Bondone

1266-1337

Italian

Please take some time to study the image below before class.  Ask your child to tell you what they think it is depicting before you share the title of the image.  Have them point out their favorite section of the painting, and discuss what you think is odd about the image.

Adoration of the Magi
Giotto di Bondone
fresco, 1305–06
Arena Chapel, Padua, Italy

This month we are going to be working with paint, so please make sure to dress accordingly!  

In order to complete this project the following supplies will be needed:

• Acrylic Paint  - need a minimum of blue, white and black - can be shared
• Grumbacher Filbert Brush synthetic, approx. size 8- 1 per student (if you don't have this particular brush, just bring what you have and I'm sure it will be just fine)
• 1 8x10 canvas - need 1 per student
• Prang crayons, one 8 color set - need: 1 set per student
• 1  glue stick - can be shared
• 1 extra small container with lid - need 1 per student
• everyday pencil with an eraser
• paint pallet (you don't need a fancy pallet.  A paper plate or piece of cardboard would do)

You may also want:

• smock
• Small package of baby wipes or paper towels

See you at 6:30 on Friday, October 17th!