Edgar Degas

Art Projects and Curriculum

Student Artwork Showcase

Style

Impressionist

Media

Oil

Heritage

French

Gender

Male

About Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist artist known for his innovative depictions of modern life, particularly his scenes of Parisian ballet dancers and cafés. Born in 1834, Degas was a master of several mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. He was a founding member of the Impressionist movement and his works were characterized by their loose brushwork, attention to movement and light, and innovative compositions. Degas was particularly interested in capturing the grace and beauty of ballet dancers, and his works in this genre are among his most famous.

He was also a prolific artist, producing over 5,000 works over the course of his lifetime. Today, Degas' works continue to be celebrated for their innovative techniques and insightful depictions of modern life, and can be found in major museums around the world.

Edgar Degas Art Lesson & Art Activity

Students learn about the drawing secrets of Degas and discover his techniques of perspective and composition.  They also learn about the grid method of drawing. Be sure to click through the student masterpieces at the top of this page.

Art Elements Taught

Line

Art Activity Emphasis

Ballerina / Jockey Grid Drawings

Vocabulary Learned

asymmetrical, critique, cropped, depth, impressionist, movement, negative, overlapping, pastel, perspective, sculpture, symmetrical

Student Art Supplies

Chalk, Colored Pencils
Art Lessons for Edgar Degas

How the Art Program Works:

1. Assembly

Introducing the Masters—Multi-Purpose Room or Classroom (20-45 minutes)

2. Student Worksheets

Learning from the Masters—Classroom (15-30 minutes)

3. Student Art Projects

Working with the Masters—Classroom (50-60 minutes)

Real Reviews from Real Teachers & Parents

See Why Everyone Loves Meet The Masters

I love MTM because it provides our kids with otherwise unavailable or limited art exposure. It gives them a chance to create and be inspired by amazing artists from different times in history, as well as within different mediums. Being a coordinator for MTM allows me the privilege of providing inspiration and creativity to kids just starting out on their educational journey- they never cease to amaze me with what they are able to express!

Liz Straight
Parent Coordinator, Antelope Hills Elementary School Murrieta, CA

More Artists on the Same Track

Save more with a track purchase & teach all year long.

All tracks include:

  • Implementation guide to manage scheduling, volunteers & communication
  • Multi-level, age-appropriate curriculum for all seven artists in this track
  • Engaging PowerPoint visuals that include vocabulary, art concepts & music
  • Timed, illustrated & scripted lessons perfect for teachers or volunteers
  • Hands-on technique worksheets, art project details, art prints, games & props

*Art supplies and teacher/volunteer training DVDs can be added to your order.