At this point, students will already be aware that they get to create a painting that uses a subject that is influenced by something greater than having only an aesthetic quality. To begin the brainstorming process, go back to the original hook question of what is something that really compels you to react and make a statement about? It would be helpful to incorporate some current events that can be found on social media that are trending. Have students use their sketchbooks to start making a list of any in particular that stand out and spark their curiosity or compel them to react. From there, assign students to start gathering information beyond the post, article or tweet to get a greater body of evidence about the trend or issue, find the cultural connection, and look for contrasting perspectives. Students should continue making a visual collection of imagery with technical ideas for layout and color and begin drafting ideas into thumbnail sketches as they work on researching material that supports their subject. List issues from contemporary and past history and try to elaborate more specifically on any that may provoke opinions. Using smart phone technology, find factual information along with an outside opinion or two on the subject to begin formulating an idea for the painting project. Realistically, this process should take high school students 5 to 6 block periods to develop. They need time to think of ideas to get started on the process for finding supportive material that can influence their point that will be expressed in the painting and then have a good chunk of time to create the visual expression. Staying organized is really important to the process and all material, technique exercises, thumbnail sketches and notes should be kept together in a specific painting folder or portfolio.
