Line Lions

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Line Lion using mixed media techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic free form) and space (positive negative) inspired by American Artist (1921-2012) LeRoy Neiman
• Use drawing techniques (contour outline continuous) and design principles (composition variation proportion) based on Impressionism
• Define Line (a dot that goes for a walk)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Portrait of A Lion (2001) LeRoy Neiman

2. Read Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

3. Discussion Questions "Which animal is larger- the lion or the tiger? How much does the average male lion weigh? How fast can a lion run in miles? What is the name given to a group of lions? How can you stop a male lion? How long does a lion spend resting each day? What is the name given to a baby lion? Are there any lions in Africa? How much do lions eat? What are lions commonly referred to as? Which animals are the biggest among the cats family? How much time does a lion spend for just napping or sleeping? What is the role of the female lion in their daily activities? What was the weight of the biggest lion on earth recorded? What animal family does the lion belong to? Why do male lions have manes? Who would win a fight between a tiger and a lion?

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 8" X 12" Drawing Paper

2. Add line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to facial features of positive space (animal) of lion drawings

3. Outline line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) with neutral colors (black grey brown) of lion drawings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Line Lions for Assigned Table

2. Lions Pride (1973) LeRoy Neiman

3. Discussion Questions "What types of lines are being used in this artwork? What are of the artist is emphasized by the artist? Which area of the artwork is most important? How does your eye move through the artwork? What choices did the artist make to make that happen? How would you describe this artwork to someone who has never seen it? How do you think his artwork was made? What emotions do you feel when looking at this? What emotions do you notice in the artwork? What do you think is happening next? How do you think the artist was feeling when he created this artwork? What title would you give this artwork? What symbols do you notice in the artwork? What do you like about this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use earth colors (orange brown yellow) to fill in the positive space (animal) of the lion drawings

2. Use earth colors (orange brown yellow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the lion drawings

3. Use embellishments (bubble wrap, squiggle lines, cardboard printing) to add texture to the negative space (mane) of the Line Lions

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Line Lions for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, pencils, erasers)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (animal) of the lion drawings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the lion drawings

3. Add details (gold paint, facial features, line types) to the positive space (animal) of the Line Lions

Artist Examples

Student Examples