Poetry+in+Painting

As part of a 7th grade art rotation, students will participate in a multicultural study of art. In one project, they will study Chinese art and create a watercolor painting of a dragon. To reinforce writing standards and the tradition of Chinese painting, students will write a poem to accompany their watercolor paintings. The focus areas follow. In addition, students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of symbolism, personification, and imagery in both their paintings and their poetry, all PSSA standards assessed on the exam. Since the 7th graders attend art in 6- week rotations, we scan the artwork and post to a wikispace to share their work with their entire grade and allow students to comment, reflect, and ask questions on the paintings and writing.

Symbols in Chinese Art Symbolize good fortune and happiness, especially when they have more than one color. Symbol of longevity. It is often shown with other symbols of longevity such as the pine tree. Two cranes flying upward towards the sun has the meaning or wish of "rising high." The cricket symbolizes summer. It also represents courage and a fighting spirit. The Dragon Fly is a symbol of summer. **Lily ** A lily is a plant that is used to help you forget your troubles. **Lotus ** Thanks to the Buddhist influence, the lotus (or sea-rose) is of unique importance in Chinese folklore and symbolism. It is the symbol of purity. In most religions mountains have an important symbolic role. They are the geographic point at which followers believe they are the closest to their gods or to the highest points of the universe. **Pine ** The favorite tree of Chinese painters, the pine symbolizes longevity and steadfastness. They represent winter. Symbolizes youth and the four seasons. Symbol of Spring. **Chrysanthemum ** Symbolizes autumn. <span style="display: block; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">Poem Requirements
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Clouds **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Crane **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Cricket **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Dragon Fly **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mountains **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rose **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Willow **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Poem must discuss dragon, a season, a seasonal element, an emotion, imagery, and personification.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Poem must be at least 4 lines in length (or even number of lines, if longer) and must relate to your painting and landscape.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Neatly incorporate poem into painting (make it a part of your artwork).

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You can use this format for your poem if you’d like (add your own words to these line beginnings):

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The good __seasonal element (like rain or snow)__ knows… <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When __season (match with seasonal element)__ arrives… <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">At dawn in __season (same as line above)__, I see… <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The dragon is __emotion__ because he knows…

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Brainstorm! Write and sketch some ideas below!