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Hans Hofmann [HOF-muhn] is called a Fauvist, a Cubist, and an Abstract Expressionist; he is all of these, and created his own style of powerful and unique paintings known for their exuberant energy and clashing colors and design. Hofmann was born in Germany and grew up in Munich. He studied architecture before he began to paint. When he moved to America, he became known as the most important and influential American artist in this country, and the leader of Abstract Expressionism in America. Hofmann was a renowned inspirational art teacher with his own art schools, and was recognized for helping students develop their own ways of doing art. Hofmann encouraged his students to visit museums and art galleries so they could see many kinds of art. Many of Hofmann’s students became famous artists too. He said that art is essential to being fully human. |
Exuberant Blocks - from Great American Artists for Kids (available July 2008)
by MaryAnn Kohl & Kim Solga - PRE-ORDER TODAY and Save 32%!
Hofmann’s signature style often shows a grouping of bold color blocks that merge with energetic painted surface and overlapping shapes. With no particular pre-planned design, paint with bright colors to create a work with shapes that fill the paper as they overlap and join with energy. Blocks and rectangles of art tissue are pressed into the paint to highlight the design.
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Materials:
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 Lots of Color Blocks by Brianna George, age 5 |
Process:
1. To begin, paint the entire sheet of drawing paper with two or more large areas of color. Then dry.
2. With a free hand, paint large blocks of color on the painted drawing paper, making them overlap. Rectangles and squares will be most like Hofmann’s work.
3. While the shapes are still wet, tear or cut matching shapes from art tissue, and press each shape into the paint shape. For example, into a painted red square, press a torn red square of art tissue of about the same size. No glue is needed.
4. Allow the shapes of tissue to overlap.
5. Then, dry the entire artwork completely.
Variations:
• Explore creating large blocks of overlapping color with other art mediums, such as, colored chalk or oil pastels.
copyright © 2008 MaryAnn Kohl
This art activity is copyright protected.
Permission is granted to reprint one copy for personal use only.
Please contact maryann@brightring.com or 800-480-4278 for permission to reprint
multiple copies or to disperse.
