Second graders have been doing fresco painting. I introduced
them to Fra Angelico after their study of illuminated
letters/manuscripts. They first drew their pictures in white
chalk on dark blue construction paper. Next, they highlighted
with gold peel and stick foil paper as their gold leaf. When
they were ready to paint, they first colored the area to be
painted with more white chalk and used tempera paint to cover.
The colors seem to intensify, and paintings are striking! Now, I
want to make the connection to Michaelangelo and his fresco
painting . I read somewhere about a lesson where the children
painted on paper secured under their desks -- like Michaelangelo
did when painting his ceiling. Have any of you tried this? Is it
something you think that I can do with 2nd graders? I would like
to introduce it on Wednesday, so any suggestions you can give me
this weekend would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Everyone!