Rose Period

Instructions

For the Rose Period Project we will use Pink and Orange in our palettes primarily, but Picasso did use other colors in the Rose Period, so other colors are allowed. You will use Colored Pencils for your medium. 

In Picasso's Rose Period he was obssessed with circus performers. So draw yourself and a few friends (at least 2) as circus performers and then color the entire thing using Pink and Orange as your main colors, but adding other colors as you wish.

🎨 Art 2 & 3 Project:

12 inches x 18 inches (Portrait Orientation Recommended)📚 Background: Picasso’s Rose Period (1904–1906)

After his dark and somber , Pablo Picasso moved to Paris and began creating artwork that felt warmer, softer, and more hopeful. This period is known as the because of the dominant use of:

• 🌸 Warm pinks

• 🌅 Soft oranges

• 🌞 Peach and coral tones

• 🌤 Light earthy reds

Instead of painting sadness and poverty like in the Blue Period, Picasso focused on:

• Circus performers

• Harlequins

• Acrobats

• Families

• Quiet moments of human connection

Even though the colors became warmer, many of the figures still show .

Important characteristics of the Rose Period:

• Warm, limited color palette

• Elongated figures

• Soft shading

• Simplified backgrounds

• Emotional storytelling

• Gentle use of line

• Influences from circus life and performers

🖌 Essential Question

How can color temperature and body language communicate emotion without dramatic action?🎯 Project Objective

Students will create a featuring a figure or small group that communicates emotion through. Exceptions to subject matter based on portfolio themes will be allowed:

• Warm color palette

• Body language

• Composition

• Subtle facial expression

• Simplified setting

🎨 Materials (Teacher Choice)

• 12” x 18” Heavy Drawing Paper or Canvas Board

• Acrylic Paint (recommended for Rose palette)

• OR Oil Pastels

• OR Colored Pencil (Art 2 option)

• Brushes (variety of sizes)

• Pencil for sketching

• Palette

• Water container

• Paper towels

🪜 Step-by-Step Process Step 1: Research & Visual Analysis (1 Class)

Students will:

• View 4–6 Rose Period artworks

• Identify:

• Color palette

• Body posture

• Mood

• Use of space

• Background simplicity

Class discussion prompts:

• Why do warm colors still feel emotional?

• How does posture communicate feeling?

• Why are backgrounds often minimal?

Step 2: Concept Development & Planning (1 Class)

Students must choose one theme:

• A modern-day performer

• A quiet family moment

• A self-portrait in Rose style

• A figure expressing quiet reflection

• Two figures showing subtle connection

• Possible variations based on Portfolio themes

Students create:

• 3 thumbnail sketches (small composition ideas) (will have its own daily grade)

• Choose strongest composition

• Plan limited color palette (no more than 5 dominant colors)

Teacher approval required before final piece.Step 3: Final Drawing on 12” x 18” Surface

• Lightly sketch figure(s)

• Focus on:

• Elongation

• Balance

• Placement within space

Keep background simple and supportive

Remind students:

Picasso simplified — he did not over-detail.Step 4: Underpainting / Base Layer

If using paint:

• Lay down a thin warm base wash (light peach or muted pink)

• Block in large shapes first

• Work general to specific

If using colored pencil:

• Lightly layer base warm tones first

• Build gradually

Step 5: Developing Form & Emotion

Focus on:

• Soft transitions

• Controlled blending

• Warm shadows (avoid black)

• Subtle highlights

Encourage:

• Emotional subtlety

• Calm composition

• Controlled mark-making

Step 6: Background Treatment

• Keep simple

• Muted tone

• Soft texture

• No detailed scenery

The figure should remain the focus.Step 7: Final Details & Refinement

• Clean edges where needed

• Adjust color harmony

• Add subtle line definition if desired

• Sign artwork

🎨 Color Palette Suggestions

Students should primarily use:

• Blush pink

• Coral

• Peach

• Terra cotta

• Warm beige

• Soft rust

• Muted orange

• Cream

• Warm gray

Avoid:

• Bright neon colors

• Harsh cool blues

• Strong black outlines

✏️ Differentiation Art 2:

• Single figure

• Focus on color and proportion

• Emphasis on blending

Art 3:

• 2–3 figures

• Stronger emotional narrative

• More advanced composition

• Intentional symbolism

• Subtle color mixing

🧠 Reflection Questions (Written Component)How does your color palette influence the mood?What emotion is your figure expressing?How did you simplify your background?What was challenging about working with limited colors?How does your work connect to Picasso’s Rose Period?📊 Assessment Rubric (Suggested Categories)

• Composition (20%)

• Use of Rose Color Palette (20%)

• Craftsmanship & Technique (20%)

• Emotional Communication (20%)

• Creativity & Originality (20%)

🏆 Extension Option (Art 3 Advanced)

Students may:

• Incorporate symbolic objects

• Experiment with slight abstraction

• Use mixed media (collage + paint)

• Create a companion piece showing Blue vs Rose emotional contrast

Student Examples