Degas’ Dancers

Edgar Degas was born in Paris, France in 1843 to a wealthy family. He went to law school but decided to be an artist instead. He became one of the leaders of the Impressionists, and was feared for his sharp tongue.

Degas spent most of his time studying horse riders and ballet dancers. However, in his paintings, he was more interested in showing them behind the scenes, not during the actual performances.

“Decidedly that watering can is idiotic. I must get rid of it.” -Degas

The strongest part of Degas’ work is his use of composition. A composition the careful arrangement of objects on the paper. His art training was mostly in photography. His paintings and drawings look like photographs of a moment in time.

In Degas’ compositions, much like in photography, he rarely places the subjects in the center of the work. They are always placed to the side or in the corner. Sometimes, they even go off of the page. Back

Your Job: 1.Draw an action person using bubbles. 2.Create people on yellow paper 4.Cut person out. 5.Think about your composition. 7.Fill in background to show where the person is. 3.Add details to people. Back 6. Glue to gray paper.

Your work must have: At least 1 person. Person cannot be in middle of paper. Part of someone going off of the page. Details drawn in crayon. A background.