This unit is a beginning study in the process of abstraction. Students study a number of paintings by the Spanish artist Joan Miro, who often painted in a Surrealist style and was one of the earliest true abstract artists in the first part of the 20th century.

Students then choose a source image to use as the beginning of their process of abstraction and develop an abstract image of their original by simplifying, reducing, and flattening the elements of the picture. Once they have a design completed, they execute their final drawing on high-quality black drawing paper using chalk pastels.