Raccoon Portraits

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Raccoon Portrait using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (black white grey), value (lightness darkness), and texture (rough smooth) inspired by French Illustrator (1995-Present) Jeanne Lelievre
• Understand the importance of recycling (process, reusable, waste) and design principles (movement repetition contrast) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Texture (the feel or appearance of a surface)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Elliot's Raccoon Drawings (2018) Jeanne Lelievre

2. Read Raccoon Moon by Nancy Carol Willis

3. Discussion Questions "Why are raccoons called nocturnal? What is unique about a raccoon's fur? How do raccoons open trash can lids, jars', and doorknobs? What purpose is it believed that the raccoon's bandit mask evolved? What unusual ability do raccoon's hind feet have? What planted crop is a particular favorite of the raccoon? How long does the average raccoon live in the wild? What are raccoons? Where do raccoons live? What is the average raccoon's height and weight? Are raccoons endangered? What are a raccoon's main predator?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" White Drawing Paper

2. Use pencils to draw line types (contour, continuous, outline) of positive space (raccoon) onto the drawing paper for raccoon portraits

3. Use permanent mark to outline line types (contour, continuous, outline) of the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Raccoon Portraits for Assigned Table

2. Raccoon Illustration (2019) Jeanne Lelievre

3. Discussion Questions "What is your favorite endangered species? How well does the work relate to the endangered species theme? How well do the elements of line and form work together? How does color enhance the artwork? How imaginatively does the work convey an idea or emotion? Why is it important to protect endangered species and their habitat? Why do you think people help these species thrive? What is the most serious problem facing our earth? How can you help erase the problems of these endangered animals? What changes need to happen in the world?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use marker to finish outlining the line types (contour, continuous, outline) of the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

2. Use neutral colors (black white grey) to fill in the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

3. Use neutral colors (black white grey) to fill in the negative space (background) of the raccoon portraits

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Raccoon Portraits for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water buckets, paper towel)

Lesson Activities

1. Use implied texture (whiskers, fur, masks) to add details to the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

2. Use value (lightness, darkness) to add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

3. Use value (lightness, darkness) to add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the raccoon portraits

Artist Examples

Student Examples