TechnoArtist

Become digital artists using Microsoft Paint. Study famous artwork for inspiration, and create original interpretations using computer tools. This project sparks imagination and stimulates creativity!

Integrate computer technology with visual arts using TechnoArtist, elementary art lesson plans. To inspire young imaginations, the project includes:

• fun digital art lesson plans
• information about famous artists
• sample artwork for each art style
• templates for each activity
• sample files of completed paintings

The emphasis in the TechnoArtist project is on acquiring basic computer knowledge such as how to open, close, and save a file. Moreover, the activities develop the fine motor skills required to operate the mouse effectively as well as comprehension of mouse terminology.

Student artists begin by painting a black and white picture using the Fill with Color tool in Microsoft Paint. This activity has students practice the mouse skills point, click, and double click.

To trigger critical thinking skills, students complete a worksheet about color and shading. Color Cards are a resource provided with the project to help young students understand the concept of shading.

Next, to ensure success for beginners, students are introduced to the Microsoft Paint program window. Afterwards, they choose a picture from the TechnoArtist resources and practice their skills.

The paintings of Picasso are a rich source of inspiration for young artists. The TechnoArtist resource folder contains examples of work from Picasso’s blue and rose periods.

After examining Picasso's masterpieces, students choose a template from the resource folder to practice using shades of one color. In this activity, they learn to use Pick Color.

In this session, students explore the art style called pointillism, in which paintings are created using dots of color. This activity requires strong fine motor skills to use the mouse to complete a picture one dot at a time.

View Lesson Plans

Samples of famous masterpieces in the pointillism style are provided in the project resources. Students use the Magnifier tool to study the image. They are shown how the pixels on a computer are like the dots in a pointillism painting. Then they use a template to decorate a butterfly in the pointillist style.