Tuesday, October 28, 2025
SANTA FLYING PASS MOON
Santa Flying Pass Moon
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Santa Flying Pass Moon using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use cool colors (blue green purple), value (lightness darkness highlights shadows), and space (positive negative) inspired by American Artist (1916-2001) Howard Finster
- Use painting techniques (blending, dry brush, wet on wet, splatter painting) and design principles (composition, proportion, gradation) based on Naive Art
- Define Silhouette (an image in a single color that shows only the outline of a solid shape of a persona, object, or scene)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Santa Claus (1983) Howard Finster
2. Read The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know the illustrations of Santa Claus show him with a warm face, iconic red suit, and prominent wedding ring? How did commercial art of Santa Claus influence the modern vision of Santa Claus now? Did you know Santa Claus was displayed on photographs, artwork, posters, postcards, greeting cards, song sheets, wrapping paper, and telegrams? How do you think the reindeer fly? What kind of technology does Santa Claus use at the North Pole to make toys? What colors did artists use for Santa Claus? Why do you think they choose those colors? What is Santa Claus wearing? Does it look like a typical Santa Claus suit?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (thick, thin) to draw the foreground (forest, building, Santa Claus), middle ground (night sky), and background (moon, night sky, snow) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue) to fill in the background (moon, night sky, snow) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, white, brown) to fill in the foreground (forest, building, Santa Claus) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Santa Flying Pass Moon for Assigned Tables
2. Santa Claus (1985) Howard Finster
3. Discussion Questions "What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? What do you think the artist was trying to say in this artwork? What is the meaning or message? How did the artist use line, shape, and color to contribute to the mood or meaning? What would it feel like to be in this painting? Do you want to see this artwork again? What was Howard Finster's motivation for painting secular figures like Santa Claus? How does the Santa figure fit within Finster's overarching mission? How did his childhood memories of Christmas influence his artwork? Why is the provenance of the particular piece? How is the handwritten text incorporated into his Santa Claus pieceS? How does his Santa Claus compare to his depictions of other pop culture figures? How does this piece compare to other Santa artworks by Howard Finster in terms of style, theme, and detail?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the foreground (Santa Claus, buildings, forest) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Add details (animals, moon, stars, snowmen, presents) to the middle ground (night sky) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Use black tempera paint to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, buildings, forest, Santa Claus) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Santa Flying Pass Moon for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, white tempera paint, water buckets)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the foreground (Santa Claus, buildings, forest) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadows) within the middle ground (night sky) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Add details (animal, moon, stars, snowmen, elves, presents) within the negative space (background) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
WINTER WREATHS
Winter Wreaths
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Winter Wreaths using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use cool colors (blue green purple), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by London Florist (2023-Present) Jessica Walker
- Use texture (actual visual implied) and design principles (balance composition repetition) based on Floral Designs
- Define Wreath (a circular arrangement of materials holding symbolic meaning to represent honor, victory, or celebration)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Countdown To Christmas (2024) Jessica Walker
2. Read Winter Wreath by Laura R. Vila
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Anzac Day is a Remembrance Day in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate soldiers who have passed? Did you know many commemorative ceremonies have laying of wreaths, speeches, and soundings held at war memorials? What is the difference between a seasonal themed wreath and a botanical wreath? Did you know Victorian women would make three-dimensional wreaths with threads, feathers, and human hair? Did you know wreaths were made for mourning, commemorate weddings, and growth of families or social groups in churches? Did you know hanging or wearing a decorative wreath is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations? Did you know a laurel wreath is one of the most famous historical wreaths in history? Did you know ancient wreaths used natural materials like laurel and palm leaves?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Colored Construction Paper
2. Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to draw the patterns (stripes swirls waves) onto the positive space (foreground middle ground wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables
2. First Christmas At Trade Court (2023) Jessica Walker
3. Discussion Questions "What did you learn about the history and significance of wreaths across different cultures? How does the symbolism of a wreath change based on the materials and the culture that it created? Which of the historical wreaths did you find most interesting? Why did you find this historical wreath interesting? What symbols or materials would you use to create a personal wreath that represents your own values or triumphs? If you could add anything to the wreath, even something silly like macaroni, what would you choose to add? Where did each natural piece of the wreath (pinecones, berries, branches) come from? Why do evergreen branches stay green all year, even in the cold winter? Why is a wreath shaped like a circle? What does a circle that never ends remind you of? Do people from other countries decorate with wreaths?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadows) to the negative space (background) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Add embellishments (pom poms, cotton balls, jewels) to the positive space (foreground, wreaths) of the Winter Wreaths
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, tempera paint, paint brushes, scissors)
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to add patterns (stripes swirls dots) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Use neutral colors (black grey brown white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Wreaths
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
DASHING DACHSHUNDS
Dashing Dachshunds
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Dashing Dachshund using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (cool colors, warm colors, neutral colors), shape variation (geometric organic free form), and value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) inspired by British Illustrator (1972-Present) Rob Biddulph
- Use painting techniques (splatter painting, dabbing, dry brush, wash) and design principles (composition, emphasis, repetition) based on Children Literature
- Define Movement (the path the viewer's eyes take through a piece creating a sense of action or direction)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Snow Dog (2016) Rob Biddulph
2. Read An Odd Christmas: A Fabulously Festival Tale Of Friendship by Rod Biddulph
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Pablo Picasso had a dachshund named Lump? Did you know Frida Kahlo also had a dachshund as a pet? What does odd mean? Does the word odd have other meanings? What do you notice about the dog on the cover? How is it different from the others? What do you think this dog will do? What is the dog doing that is different from others? What would you do if you were one of the other dogs? What is something that makes you different from other people? What do you like about yourself that is unique to you? How can we make sure everyone feels included? What do you think the author, Rob Biddulph, would like us to learn from this story? How can we be kind to people who are different from us? How are the illustrations at the beginning of the book different from the illustrations at the end? What colors and patterns do you see?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the negative space (background, snow) of the Dashing Dachshunds
2. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dachshunds) of the Dashing Dachshunds
3. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, reindeer antlers) in the positive space (foreground, dachshunds) of the Dashing Dachshunds
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Dashing Dachshunds for Assigned Tables
2. Happy Christmas (2022) Rob Biddulph
3. Discussion Questions "What is your favorite Rob Biddulph book and why? What do you think about the characters in his books? If you were a character in one of his books, which one would you be? What kind of story do you think Rob Biddulph is trying to tell with this book? How do the characters in Rob Biddulph's books show friendship? What colors does Rob Biddulph like to use in his drawings? Do his characters look more like cartoons or do they look realistic? What makes these characters look that way? How does Rob Biddulph use shadows and lines to make his drawings look special? If you were one of the characters in his books, what would you look like? Where does Rob Biddulph say he gets his ideas from? Why do you think it is important for an artist to always carry a sketchbook? What would you draw in your own sketchbook to help you come up with a story?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background, sky, clouds, snow) of the Dashing Dachshunds
2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dachshunds) of the Dashing Dachshunds
3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, hat) in the positive space (foreground, dachshunds) of the Dashing Dachshunds
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Dashing Dachshunds for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, water bucket)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the negative space (background) of the Dashing Dachshunds
2. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the positive space (foreground) of the Dashing Dachshunds
3. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to paint the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dachshunds) of the Dashing Dachshunds
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Friday, October 17, 2025
TEACUP COLLAGES
Teacup Collages
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Teacup Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), texture (actual, visual, implied), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Painter (1844-1926) Mary Cassatt
- Use collage techniques (assemblage, mixed media, decoupage, photomontage) and design principles (rhythm, balance, contrast) based on Impressionism
- Define Still Life (a work of art depicting an arrangement of inanimate objects)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Five O'Clock Tea (1880) Mary Cassatt
2. Read The Tea Party In The Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know the tea industry dramatically changed the economics of several countries and altered global power still experienced today? How has tea shaped all aspects of society on a personal, national, and international levels? Can you see any visual cues about how these objects were traded? Can you infer any cultural influences that might have impacted these objects? Can you think of other art objects which might share similar cultural influences? What gave China power in the tea and porcelain trade initially? How did these countries have the upper hand at first? How did Britain try to shirt power in their favor? What did they do to take power in the tea industry? Can you more the British East India Company to any other modern day companies?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey) to add line types (contour, outline, gesture) to the positive space (foreground, teacup) of the Teacup Collages
2. Fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, teacup) with color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) for the Teacup Collages
3. Fill in the negative space (background) with color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) for the Teacup Collages
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Teacup Collages at Assigned Tables
2. The Cup Of Tea (1879) Mary Cassatt
3. Discussion Questions "What connections do the teacup and the saucer have to India? What connections can you make between the tea trade and colonization? What might be some of the lasting impacts of colonization on global power dynamics and the global economy? Do you think colonization could have had impacts on powers in other areas, besides just economics and trade? Where or how? Why might mathematicians, scientists, astronomers, or engineers choose to use art as a tool? What type of technique was used by the artist? What perspective do you think the artist was trying to get across? If this artwork is meant to persuade, what do you think the artist was trying to accomplish?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, teacup) of the Teacup Collages
2. Fill in the positive space (teacup, foreground, middle ground) with color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) for the Teacup Collages
3. Fill in the negative space (background) with color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) for the Teacup Collages
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Teacup Collages at Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, dollies, pencils)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (teacup, foreground, middle ground) with pattern (stripes, polka dots, swirls) for the Teacup Collages
2. Use color combinations (warm colors, cool colors, neutral colors) to fill in the negative space (teacup, foreground, middle ground) with pattern (stripes, polka dots, swirls) for the Teacup Collages
3. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) and shadows (cast shadow, mid tones, shadows) to the Teacup Collages
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
PRIMARY COLORED PIPES
Primary Colored Pipes
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Primary Colored Pipes using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use primary colors (red yellow blue), space (positive negative), and value (lightness darkness highlights shadows) inspired by American Illustrator (1894-1964) James E. Allen
- Use drawing techniques (stippling, hatching, scribbling, shading) and design principles (proportion, composition, gradation) based on American Realism
- Define Cylinder (a three-dimensional form consisting of two ovals connected with a set of parallel lines)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Four Line Pipes (1937-1938) James E. Allen
2. Read Color Blocked by Ashley Sorenson
3. Discussion Questions "How did James E. Allen's distinct periods as an illustrator and printmaker, support the recurring themes of industrial heroism? What early experience growing up in Montana instilled his deep appreciation for labor and rugged outdoor life, which layer appeared in his artwork? What did you learn about gravity and fluid dynamics? Which artists and movements influenced Allen's work during his studies at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students league? What drew him to printmaking and what distinguishes his technique in each medium? How does his artwork depict the daily heroism of American Industrial workers? What steps did he take to capture that realism such as making exhaustive life size charcoal drawings? What drove his series of industrial prints, including those commissioned by companies like the United States Pipe and Foundry Company?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Add three dimensional shapes (cylinder, sphere, pyramid) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pipes) of the Primary Colored Pipes
3. Use charcoal to add line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pipes) of the Primary Colored Pipes
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Primary Colored Pipes for Assigned Tables
2. Standing Pipe (1937-1938) James E. Allen
3. Discussion Questions "How does James E. Allen's prints depict daily heroism of America's industrial workers? How did the economic and social conditions of the Great Depression influence the subject matter and tone of his industrial prints? What prompted his major shift from studying printmaking to abstract painting as an artistic focus? What led him to eventually focus more on fine art, including prints and paintings, rather than commercial illustration? What was the critical reception of his work, particularly his acclaimed industrial prints of the 1930s? How has the Stanford University online exhibit contributed to the preservation and study of Allen's body of work? What do you think the workers are doing in this artwork? How is the artist using light and shadow to tell a story in this artwork? If you were a worker in this picture, what job would you have? If you could add a sound effect to the picture, what would it be?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pipes) of the Primary Colored Pipes
2. Use neutral colors (black grey white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Primary Colored Pipes
3. Use drawing techniques (overlapping, cropping, arrangement) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Primary Colored Pipes
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Primary Colored Pipes for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (sharpie markers, colored chalk, black charcoal, erasers)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pipes) of the Primary Colored Pipes
2. Add shadows (cast shadows, reflective shadows, shadows) to the negative space (background) of the Primary Colored Pipes
3. Outline details (patterns, arrangement, paint splatter) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pipes) of the Primary Colored Pipes
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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