Woolly Mammoths

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create an original Woolly Mammoth using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic), line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), and space (positive negative) inspired by American Paleoartist (1874-1953) Charles Robert Knight
• Use brainstorming techniques (checklists, outline, sketches) and design principles (composition variation movement) based on Prehistoric Art
• Define Implied Texture (the surface quality in a work of art)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Pleistocene Epoch, New York (1953) Charles Robert Knight

2. Read Forgotten Beasts: Amazing Creature that Once Roamed the Earth by Matt Sewell

3. Discussion Questions "What is prehistoric art? How is the work of a reflection of the ancient culture that created this work? When was Altamira cave discovered? What was the purpose of cave paintings? Where did art originate? What is Paleolithic art? What preserved the art of Altamira until modern day? Did all languages start as pictographs? How does prehistoric art illustrate the living conditions of society at that time? When were pictographs invented? Did cave paintings come before the writing system?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper

2. Use basic shapes (semi circle oval triangle) to draw recognizable parts of the mammoth paintings

3. Add mammoth parts (tusks, long hair, ears) to the recognizable parts of the Wooly Mammoths

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Wooly Mammoth for Assigned Table

2. Pleistocene Epoch, Europe (1953) Charles Robert Knight

2. Discussion Questions "How has Chauvet Cave changed thinking about prehistoric art? What is this picture called and where is it located? Why was drawing so important in early history? The Cave of Lascaux dates to what historic period? What were cave paintings painted with? What was usually depicted in cave art paintings? Who made the Chauvet cave paintings? What does pictograph meaning? What subject matter did the prehistoric people draw? What were the first artworks from prehistoric times? Which is an element of art? Which is a principles of design?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes dots lines) to the positive space (mammoth) of the Wooly Mammoths

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

3. Use bright colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the mammoth paintings

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Wooly Mammoth for Assigned Table

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

Lesson Activities

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

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

3. Add repeating patterns (dots, stripes, spots) to the negative space (background) of the Wooly Mammoths

Artist Examples

Student Examples