Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic free form) and value (lightness darkness) inspired by California Artist (1996-Present) Nathaniel Mather
• Use painting techniques (dry brush layering sponges) and design principles (composition balance proportion) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Reflection (representation of mirror surfaces in a painting)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Spring Whale (2020) Nathaniel Mather

2. Read The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond

3. Discussion Questions "What is your favorite drawing or painting from his portfolio? What techniques or resources do you think inspire his work? How does the artist become inspired to create a work of art? What do artists do to overcome a creative block? What challenges would you expect to find in this job? What do you think is his most successful artwork? What was your first reaction to this artwork? What does his work aim to say? What do you think his biggest influences? How do you think he has developed his career? How do artists seek out opportunities? How do artists navigate the art world? What makes a successful artist?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a pencil to draw shape variation (geometric organic free form) of the selected animal (whale) for whale paintings

2. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to add characteristics (gills eyes fins) for whale paintings

3. Use texture tools (stamps felt pens forks) to add patterns (dots stripes swirls) for Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales for Assigned Table

2. Denial (2020) Nathaniel Mather

3. Discussion Questions "How would you describe the shape of the whale body? Are all of whale shaped the same? Do you see any fins on this whale? How would you describe this whale's shape? How would. you describe the color of his whale? Are all the whales the same color? How are these whales the same? How are these whales different? Do you see any design on this whale? Do you see patterns on this whale? Do you see any fins on this whale? Are the fins the same size? Are some narrow? Are some wide? How would you describe it's fins? How would you describe its mouth? How would you describe its eyes?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black grey brown) to fill in the positive space (whale) of the whale paintings

2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the whale paintings

3. Add line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to negative space (background) of the Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, water bucket, paint)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (whale) of the whale paintings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to negative space (background) of the whale paintings 

3. Add relief pieces (styrofoam pieces, cardboard, poster board) behind the whale and the boat of the Nathaniel Mather Inspired Whales

Artist Examples

Student Examples