Was That Painting Looking at Me?

Students will study a series of famous paintings. Students will research the artist, reasons why they created their work of art, period in history that this painting was created, or style of art presented. Students will work in small groups to recreate the background of a famous painting on a large sheet of paper or canvas. Students will dress up as the character(s) in the painting, standing infront of their painted background. When the art museum closes for the night, the paintings will become alive. Students will be videotaped, as the character, telling the story behind their painting, or presenting information about their artist. After all videos are completed, a class movie of the night at the museum will be created and shared.