CHARLEY HARPER INSPIRED CARDINALS

Charley Harper Inspired Cardinals

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create a Charley Harper Cardinal using watercolor techniques learned in class
• Use shape types (circle, triangle, rectangle, square), line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and primary colors (red, yellow, blue) inspired by Modernist Artist (1922-2007) Charley Harper
• Use design principles (movement, composition, balance) relating to Minimal Realism
• Define Geometric Shape (circle, square, rectangle, triangle)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Cardinal, Cardinal With Berries (1954) Charley Harper
3. Reflective Discussion "Cardinals are an American songbird found in North and South America. These birds are known for having bright red feathers, orange beaks, and pointed crests. Cardinal Birds were named for this color which resembled the red robe worn by Roman Catholic Cardinals. Cardinals are a symbol of inner guidance, hope, and heroism."

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" by 15" White Drawing Paper
2. Use scissors to cut out small, medium, and large birds for Charley Harper Cardinals
3. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to color positive space (belly, beak, feathers) of cardinal collage

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Paper

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Charley Harper Inspired Cardinals for Assigned Table
2. Cardinal with Seeds (1992) Charley Harper
3. Discussion Questions "What does it mean when you see a cardinal? Why are the male birds more brightly colored than the female birds? How does your cardinal stay warm in the winter? What does the Cardinals chirps remind you of? Why is the red bird considered a symbol of freedom, wisdom, and higher knowledge?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use cool colors (purple, blue, green) to fill in the background of the cardinals
2. Glue down small, medium, and large birch tree bark for middle ground of cardinal collage
2. Glue down small, medium, and large birds in the foreground of Charley Harper Cardinals

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Charley Harper Inspired Cardinals for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, paint brushes, glitter)

Lesson Activities

1. Use value (dark brown, light brown) to add shadows behind Collaged Bird Trees
2. Use neutral colors (white, grey, black) to add details (snowflakes, bushes, berries) to foreground of Cardinal Collage
3. Add implied texture (feathers, leaves, fabric) to positive space of Charley Harper Cardinals 

Artist Examples

Student Examples