Art Restoration Project
IDEAS DESIGN CHALLENGE
Inspired by the conservation of Sandro Botticelli & Domenico Ghirlandaio, Coronation of the Virgin, 1492
* Tip: Read this whole lesson plan before you get started so you can see how the plan will evolve.
Lesson Duration: 1 hour
MATERIALS
- Pencils
- Printer
- White-Out
- Strip of white paper
- Coloring materials (markers, pencils or crayons work well for this activity)
Vocabulary:
Restoration is an act of returning something to its original condition.
Primary Colors The primary colors are used to create all other colors. They are red, yellow and blue. These three colors are unable to be created through mixing of any other colors. By mixing the primary colors together, they create other colors, such as the secondary colors, which are green, orange and violet.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Watch the following video about how Botticelli & Ghirlandaio’s Coronation of the Virgin was conserved. The painting is over 500 years old!
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Search for a historical painting online and select one that appeals to you. Print it out in color.
STEP 2
Ask a friend or family member to use white out in 4 areas directly on the print out. See the image below.
STEP 3
Take your strip of white paper and practice creating color combinations by layering your crayon or colored pencil colors. For example, what occurs when you mix two primary colors? This strip of paper will be a practice palette to find the exact color combination you will need.
STEP 4
Using your colored pencils, fill in the white out spaces to restore the painting.
Tip: Be sure you do not apply too much pressure when color correcting, by lightly using the colored pencils you can apply multiple colors to achieve the most accurate color.
You did it! Use a black pen or pencil to sign your name, date and title your piece on the bottom, or on the back of the artwork. Be sure to share your work by taking a picture of your drawing and tagging @BassCreativityCenter and #BassCreativityCenter.
LEARNING BENEFITS
Color matching possesses a wide array of benefits to early learners. This exercise provides an opportunity for children to experience scientific thinking and color recognition.
ADAPTATION FOR YOUNGER ARTISTS
Instead of using white out, glue a strip of white paper on an area of the painting. This will allow for a larger space to fill.
ADAPTATION FOR OLDER ARTISTS
Use a black and white photo print out, and use ONLY black and white pencils (non colored) to fill in the white space.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Learn more about Botticelli & Ghirlandaio’s Coronation of the Virgin
- Complete more activities like this inspired by this painting
- Learn more about Sandro Botticelli & Domenico Ghirlandaio
Be sure to share your artwork by taking a picture of your artwork and tagging @BassCreativityCenter and #BassCreativityCenter.
