Swan Reflections

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Swan Reflection using painting techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic free form), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by Swan Lake by Giscard Rasquin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchiakobsky
• Use drawing techniques (horizon line vanishing points parallel lines) and design principles (composition balance proportion) based on Russian Compositions
• Define Reflection (representation of mirroring surfaces in a painting)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Swans (1888) Berthe Morisot

2. Read Ella Bella Ballerina And Swan Lake by James Mayhew

3. Discussion Questions "Which Russian composer wrote the most famous ballet associated with the name Swan Lake? Swan Lake premiered in 1877 in what city? What was the origin of the story used as the plot for Swan Lake? What does Prince Siegfried admire about the Swans? What do you understand by the phrase "magical moonlit transformation"? What is the name of the princess in Swan Lake? What is the name of the person who cast a spell on the princess? What is the name of the white swan, Queen of the Swans? What is the name of the black swan? Who is the male antagonist in Swan Lake? Who are the flock of swans by the lake? Who places the spell on Odette, her mother and her friends? Can you name three different genres or styles of dance? What style of dance have you seen on a stage, in a movie, or at a community festival?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three thumbnail sketches of swans using observational drawing skills (contour outline continuous) for swan drawings

3. Add details (reflective light, shadows) to negative space (background) of Swan Reflections

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Swan Reflections For Assigned Table

2. Swans (1885) Berthe Morisot

3. Discussion Questions "Who wrote Swan Lake? Who are the two main characters in Swan Lake that fall in love? Who is the evil character that casts a curse on the maidens? What is the evil curse? How does Swan Lake End? What country was the first classical ballet school created in? What language is used for ballet terms? What is one special thing that classical ballet has that other dance forms do not have? What is pantomime? How do dances make the stage look like a special place from a story? How do you write down classic music so people can read it? Where did the term "classical music" come from? Can you name some other classical music composers that you have heard?" 

Lesson Activities

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

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

3. Use drawing techniques (contour outline continuous) to add patterns (loops swirls waves) to the negative space (background) of the Swan Reflections

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Swan Reflections For Assigned Table

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

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (white black brown) to fill in the positive space (swan) of the swan drawings

2. Use neutral colors (white black brown) to fill in the negative space (background) of the swan drawings

3. Add design details (shadows, reflective light, table) to negative space (background) of Swan Reflections

Artist Examples

Student Examples