In this expressive and imaginative art lesson, students will explore the world of abstract art through the work of Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, focusing on his dynamic masterpiece Composition VII. Kandinsky believed that art and music were deeply connected, and he often painted while listening to classical music, letting sound inspire his shapes, colors, and movement.

Students will listen to music like Kandinsky may have heard—by composers such as Wagner, Debussy, and Schönberg—and create their own abstract compositions inspired by what they hear and feel. This lesson blends visual art and music, encouraging students to explore their emotions, experiment with color, and develop their unique artistic voice.

This lesson invites students to transform sound into color, rhythm into shape, and feeling into form—just as artist Wassily Kandinsky did. He experienced synesthesia, a fascinating condition where one sense triggers another, like seeing colors when hearing music.

Intentions:

By connecting music and art, students will:

• Express feelings that are hard to put into words

• Make intuitive choices instead of aiming for perfection

• Embrace play, exploration, and the freedom of abstract expression

They’ll explore these ideas through:

Color Mixing & Mark Making:
Artists will explore how to mix colors to create vibrant, dynamic palettes. They’ll experiment with playful, expressive mark-making techniques—swirling, dabbing, layering, and brushing. Unconventional materials like sponges, cardboard, and found objects may be introduced to add texture and variation.

Music as Inspiration:
Students will listen to expressive classical music—similar to what inspired Kandinsky—and allow it to guide their brushstrokes and color choices. As they respond to the music’s rhythm and mood, they’ll create intuitive compositions that reflect their personal feelings and interpretations.

Texture Creation:
Through layering materials like oil pastels, paint, and markers, students will create rich textures and visual depth. These textures will echo the dynamic energy of Kandinsky’s artwork, focusing on experimentation and process rather than planning.

Intuitive Expression:
Rather than starting with a sketch, students will dive right into the creative process. They’ll be encouraged to trust their instincts, make bold choices, and let their artwork evolve naturally as they explore.

All Materials will be supplied.

We’ll be working with some messy (and fun!) materials, so we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little creative with. Smocks or aprons are totally optional—but they can be a great extra layer if you’d like!

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