Charles Demuth (1883-1935) An American artist, born in Lancaster, PA.

Poet – William Carlos Williams September 17, 1883 March 4, 1963 Williams wrote a poem called, The Great Figure, which inspired Demuth to create one of his most well known paintings called, I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold.

By Williams Carlos WIlliams Among the rain and lights The Great Figure By Williams Carlos WIlliams Among the rain and lights I saw the figure 5 in gold on a red firetruck moving tense unheeded to gong clangs siren howls and wheels rumbling through the dark city Charles Demuth, I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold, 1928.

Acrylic Paintings Inspired by Song Lyrics Step 1 – Pick a song that makes references to a number or a letter. Get the lyrics off the internet. Example -“Angel Dream (no. 4)” by Tom Petty

Step 2 – Read the lyrics and identify words or phrases that generate visual images. Try to focus on just 4-5 elements or words and how they might be incorporated into one drawing. Example: “Angel Dream (no. 4)” by Tom Petty I dreamed you, I saw your face Caught my lifeline when drifting through space I saw an angel, I saw my fate I can only thank God it was not too late Over mountains I floated away Across an ocean I dreamed her name I followed an angel down through the gates Sing a little song of loneliness Sing one to make me smile Another round for everyone I'm here for a little while Now I'm walking this street on my own But she's with me everywhere I go Yeah I found an angel, I found my place

Step 3 – Develop your ideas into a drawing on a sheet of Step 3 – Develop your ideas into a drawing on a sheet of 12x18 white drawing paper. Criteria Elements of your drawing should go off and beyond the edges of the paper – Draw LARGE! Some lines should cross over the planes of the foreground, middle ground and background. When painting, this can be enhanced by adding white or black to a color. You should pay tribute to the musical artist by making a reference to the artist /group and/or the title of the song.

Step 4 – Outline your drawing with a black sharpie. Make sure what you drawing is paintable!

Painting Tips/Rules Before you start painting remember the following: Put scrap paper on the tables to keep the paint off (found on the floor in a crate, in the front of the room). A smock. Water in a bucket (filled half way). Get only the paint you need for the areas you plan to paint during the allotted time, no more. Paint the large areas first. Save small areas and details for last. Use a large brush for large areas, small brush for small areas. Return all materials to the location you got them from, in better condition! When mixing paints, always start with the lightest color first and then slowly add the darker color.

Step 5 – Paint! Wait for the paint to dry before putting another color on top. Too much paint will eventually dry and crack. Too little paint generally means too much water is on your brush. Watch your time!

Final Step –. When the painting is finished (dry), outline Final Step – When the painting is finished (dry), outline with a sharpie, adding extra details and lines where needed.

Past Student Examples… (will yours be next?)

Matthew Mu ,6th Grade, 2012/13 “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Parker Pearce 6th Grade, 2012/13 “8 Days a Week” by The Beatles

Chase Baker, 6th Grade, 2012/13 “Highway 20 Ride” by The Zac Brown Band

Jack Halpert, 6th Grade, 2008/2009. “One ” by u2 Acrylic Painting inspired by song lyrics

` Michael Perry, 6th Grade, 2008/2009 “99 Red Balloons” Acrylic Painting inspired by song lyrics

Ethan Park, 6th Grade, 2008/2009. “Three Sunrises” Acrylic Painting inspired by song lyrics

Brett Tilley, 6th Grade, 2008/2009 “V-12 Cadillac” Acrylic Painting inspired by song lyrics

Tommy Mori, V-12 Cadillac, Acrylic Paint, Grade 6.

Michael Holmes, Route 66, Acrylic Paint, Grade 6.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPhWR4d3FJQ