MIXED MEDIA ALLIGATORS

 Mixed Media Alligators

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Mixed Media Alligator using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by American Artist (1903-1965) Walter Inglis Anderson
• Use printmaking techniques (engraving, woodcut, etching, lithograph) and design principles (movement, rhythm, harmony) based on American Art
• Define Dynamic Symmetry (a composition style created from a series of diagonal, horizontal, and vertical lines)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Alligator (1994) Walter Inglis Anderson

2. Read The Secret World Of Walter Anderson by Hester Bass

3. Discussion Questions "Was Walter Inglis Anderson unique in his quest for the perfect subset matter of for his drawings (rowing to Horn Island, searching for animals, drawing in a journal)? What might Walter have done if he could not find any animals to draw on Horn Island that day? Would you row all the way out to Horn Island on a rainy day? What might happen to the art supplies? What could you use for art supplies on a rainy day? What is the setting of this book? What does it tell you about his secret world? Where do you think is he going? What problems might he face on his journey? Why do you think Walter wanted to make art? Why do you think he does nature as his subject matter? What different viewpoints do you notice that Walter is approaching his subject from?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12 X 15 Drawing Paper

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add the positive space (alligator) of the alligator prints

3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add the negative space (background) of the Mixed Media Alligators 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Alligators for Assigned Tables 

2. Alligator In A Bulrush Pond (1959) Walter Inglis Anderson 

3. Discussion Questions "What was the author's purpose? Was she trying to persuade, inform, or entertain you? What are some of the scary things that happened to Walter on the island? What was the name of his favorite island? Looking at the cover of this book, what do you think this book is about? Is this block print seen through the grass, from on top of a pine tree, or underwater? Do you agree that Walter Ingles Anderson is considered the South's greatest artists? Where could you visit to see alligators? What is folk art? How can artists influence a community?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use wooden stylus to use line types (contour, continuous, outline) of the positive space (alligator) of the alligator prints

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (alligator) of the alligator prints

3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Mixed Media Alligators

 Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Alligators for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (rollers, brayers, foam plates, speedball ink)

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black, grey, white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the alligator prints

2. Use highlights (lightness, reflective light) to fill in the positive space (alligator) of the alligator prints

3. Use shadows (darkness, cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Mixed Media Alligators

Artist Examples

Student Examples