How did Edgar Degas paint movement without motion?

This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Edgar Degas.

Degas was an Impressionist and a visionary who captured life in motion.

While others painted landscapes and still life, Degas focused on the dance and movement around him.

He made the ordinary extraordinary. Whether it was ballet dancers tying their shoes or horses racing, Degas painted with a unique perspective.

His background in law didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest Impressionists of all time.

Here’s why Degas is one of our 35 masters:

• His ability to capture movement in still images.
• The way he brought everyday moments to life in his art.
• His innovative use of pastels to create softness and depth.

Your students will love Degas’ approach to capturing the world around him. They’ll learn how to see beauty in the mundane, how to create depth and motion in their own artwork, and how to express their unique view of the world.

Here’s what Degas can teach:

• The art of seeing – noticing the small details in everyday life.
• Techniques for creating dynamic and fluid compositions.
• The power of pastels in creating mood and atmosphere.

These lessons help students view art not just as a subject but as a way of interpreting the world around them.

Here’s what else your students will gain from studying Degas:

• Improved observational skills.
• A deeper appreciation for everyday moments.
• The confidence to express themselves through art.

And here’s how you can bring Degas into your classroom:

• Use multimedia to showcase Degas’ masterpieces and the world he saw. Let your students explore his techniques with hands-on activities to help them connect with his methods and creative process.
• Turn your classroom into an art studio. Encourage students to create their own masterpieces using Degas’ favorite medium – pastels. Immerse them in the experience of seeing and feeling the way Degas did.

Degas’ art invites us to see beyond the surface, to find the extraordinary in the everyday. Your students will come away not just with new skills, but with a new way of looking at the world.

Want more? Check out our student gallery to see what your students can achieve.

Creatively yours,

Meet the Masters
Inspire – Educate – Create

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Dig Deeper:

• 35 Master Artists – Easy to Implement
• Importance of Standards-Based Lessons
• Why Our Founder Started MTM in 1985
• Hear from Happy Students, Parents and Teachers
• Get a Custom Quote for Your School