Frozen Ice Floes

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Frozen Ice Floes using painting techniques learned in class
• Use warm/cool colors (red orange yellow; green blue purple), line types (contour line, curved line, diagonal line), and shape variation (geometric organic) inspired by Canadian Artist (1910-2010) Doris McCarthy
• Use scientific connections (global warming, climate change, recycling) and design principles (rhythm, movement, balance) based on Canadian Art
• Define Reflection (act or mirroring or showing an image)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1.  Iceberg with Hole & Northern Lights (2004) Doris McCarthy

2. Read Into the Ice: The Story of Arctic Exploration by Lynn Curlee

3. Discussion Questions "How do icebergs lose their salt? What is an iceberg? What does it mean when an iceberg calves? Why are icebergs white? How much of an iceberg remains under wateR? Which famous ship was sunk by an iceberg? How much can an iceberg weigh? What is the life cycle of an iceberg? What best describes an iceberg? What are the size and location of icebergs? What effects do icebergs have on the climate of North America? How soon will the effects begin? How will this affect the world?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper

2. Draw three thumbnail sketches of icebergs using observational drawing skills (contour, outline, continuous) for iceberg paintings

3. Add details (reflective light, shadows) for negative space (background) of the Frozen Ice Floes

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Frozen Ice Floes for Assigned Table

2. Icebergs and Floes (1998) Doris McCarthy

3. Discussion Questions "What area of the artwork is emphasized by the artist? Which area of the artwork is most important? How did the artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How did the artist use proportion? What elements of the painting seem real? What verbs would you use to describe this artwork? What elements seem dreamlike or imaginary? What is mysterious about this painting? How do you think this artwork was made? Why do you think this artist created this work? What do you think the artist is trying to say in this artwork? What is the meaning or message? What emotions do you notice in the artwork? What emotions do you feel when looking at this?"

Lesson Activities

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

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

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

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Frozen Ice Floes for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, paint brushes, tempera paint)

Lesson Activities

1. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the positive space (icebergs) of the iceberg paintings

2. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the iceberg paintings

3. Add design details (shadows, reflective light) to the negative space (background) of the Frozen Ice Floes

Artist Examples

Student Examples