ZHU YINGREN INSPIRED SQUIRRELS

 Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use earth colors (brown, red, green), shape variation (geometric organic), and line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) inspired by Chinese Artist (1930-Present) Zhu Yingren
• Use painting techniques (dry brush, wet on wet, splatter) and design principles (contrast, gradation, composition) based on Traditional Chinese Paintings
• Define Brushstrokes (make made by a paintbrush drawn across a surface)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Spring (2016) Zhu Yingren

2. In The Middle Of Fall by Kevin Henkes

3. Discussion Questions "Why do squirrels chatter? How do squirrels scare away intruders? Why do squirrels cross the road? Where is better food collections for squirrels? Do squirrels live alone or in groups? What foods do squirrels like best? Can you tell different squirrels apart? Where do squirrels are their food? Do squirrels act differently at different times of the day? Will this project make you think differently about squirrels? Do you notice squirrels and other animals more now? How many species of squirrels are there?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use three geometric shapes (rectangle, square, triangle) to create a three dimensional squirrel paintings

2. Add squirrel types (red, gray, flying, ground) to the positive space (squirrel) of the squirrel paintings

3. Outline silhouette of squirrel with an earth color (red orange brown) colored pencil, ink pen, or sharpie marker for Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels for Assigned Table

2. Squirrel Autumn Leaves Illustration (2014) Zhu Yingren

3. Discussion Questions "Did the artist choose and use the proper method of painting that would work best for their squirrel? Is the basic structure of the squirrel formed properly? Do the walls have a consistent thickness throughout the piece? Are the squirrels features joined together using a painting method? What is hidden in the depths of a forest? What do you see in this picture? What do you think ZhuYingren meant when creating this picture? Does your picture have space or distance? Does your picture have a horizon line, one point perspective, or background? What connections did the artist have to his work?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add finishing details (leaves, rocks, branches) to the negative space (background) of the squirrel paintings

2. Finish outlining silhouette of squirrel with an earth color (red orange brown) colored pencil, ink pen, or sharpie marker for squirrel paintings

3. Add details (flowers, acorns, nuts) to the negative space (background) of the Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels

Day Three, Art Start

1.  Retrieve Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels for Assigned Table

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

Lesson Activities

1. Add color (monochromatic, analogous, complementary) to positive space (foreground) of the squirrel paintings

2. Add color (monochromatic, analogous, complementary) to the negative space (background) of the squirrel paintings

3. Add value (highlights, shadows) to the positive space (foreground) of the Zhu Yingren Inspired Squirrels

Artist Examples

Student Examples