Snails With Shadows

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Snails With Shadows using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use rainbow order (red orange yellow green blue purple), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman
• Use drawing techniques (smudging, blending, smoothing) and design principles (composition, repetition, gradation) based on Illustrations
• Define Spiral (a curved line moving farther away as it revolves around a point)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Snail (1966) David Klein

2. Read Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman

3. Discussion Questions "What do snails eat? Why do snails have a shell? What is the largest snail species? How do snails move? What are snails a symbol of? What is the difference between a snail and a slug? Are slugs related to snails? Is a snail's shell its house? Can snails outgrow or leave their shells? What happens if a snail's shell gets cracked? Are land snails related to the animals that make seashells? Do snails do anything for the ecosystem? Can snails see, hear, or smell? Why are snails so slimy? What is the biggest snail in the world? What is the smallest snail in the world? How long do snails live?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" by 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three thumbnail sketches of snails using observational drawing skills (contour, outline, continuous) for snail drawings

3. Add details (shadows, reflective light) to negative space (background) of Snails With Shadows 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Snails With Shadows for Assigned Table

2. Snails (2012) David Klein

3. Discussion Questions "Are snails nocturnal? Why do snails leave slime behind them as they travel? Do snails hibernate in the winter? Can snails be found everywhere on Earth? Are there more snails or insects on earth? How many different types of snail species are there that live in the sea, freshwater, or on land? How many teeth do garden snails have? How do snails protect themselves from predictors? What are the characteristics of a snail? Do you know where the snail's eyes are? How big can snails grow?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use drawing techniques (contour, outline, continuous) to add basic shapes (circle, oval, rectangle) to snail drawings

2. Use design principles (composition, repetition, gradation) to fill in the positive space (snail) of the snail drawings

3. Use drawing techniques (contour, outline, continuous) to add patterns (loops, swirls, waves) to positive space (shell) of Shadows With Snails

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Shadows With Snails for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastel, eraser, pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Use rainbow order (red orange yellow green blue purple) to fill in the positive space (snail) of the snail drawings

2. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey) to fill in the negative space (background) of the snail drawings

3. Add design details (shadows, reflective light, table) to negative space (background) of the Snails With Shadows 

Artist Examples

Student Examples