ILLUMINATED LETTERS KEYCHAINS

 Illuminated Letter Keychains

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Illuminated Letter Keychains using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color schemes (analogous, complementary, secondary), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Middle Ages
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, assembling, modeling, casting) and design principles (emphasis, contrast, proportion) based on Sixth Century Art
• Define Historiated Initial (a letter containing a scene that tells a story in relation to the text)

Lesson One

Day One, Art Start

1. Book Of The Dead (1310) Bridgeman Art Library

2. Read Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts: A Guide To Technical Terms by Michelle P. Brown

3. Discussion Questions "How is this page like pages from books today? How is it different? Can you tell what the letter in this historical initial is? What can you tell about the story in the initial just by examining it? What is the setting for the scene? How do the people interact with each other? How would you describe  their gestures? What do you think they are doing? What are some of the colors used to paint the illumination on this page? Why would someone have had this book made with such extravagant materials? Why do you think the illuminator included these images? What do you see happening in the illuminated scene on this page? Who do you think the seated man in blue and red might be? What clues can you find as to his identity? What words can you identify in the text area of the page? What elements do you find in both books? What elements do you find that are unique to the manuscript? Are there any elements that are unique to the modern printed text?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (front, back, sides) within the positive space (letters) of the letter keychains

2. Mold clay into basic shape variations (geometric, organic, free form) for the positive space (letters) of the letter keychains

3. Use needle tools to draw details (border, letter, initials) for the positive space (letter) of the Illuminated Letters Keychains

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Illuminated Letters Keychains for Assigned Tables

2. Alchandreus Presents His Work To A King (1290-1310) Vidal Mayor Illuminator

3. Discussion Questions "What is an illumination? when were illuminations made? Who made them and how were they made? Why is it important to learn about them? How can I make one? Who created illuminations? Do you ever see illuminated letters anywhere? Can you still see the letters? What is a moral of a story? Can you think of any morals that go along with this story? What are some similarities and differences between medieval legends and scientific descriptions? How is this artwork different from other artwork during that time period? What does this artwork teach us about the past? What was happening in history when this artwork was made? What are the values and beliefs of the culture in which this artwork was made? How might your interpretation of this artwork be different from someone in another culture?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use compass, protractor, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to the letter keychains

2. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the positive space (letter) of the Illuminated Letters Keychains

3. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Illuminated Letters Keychains

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Illuminated Letters Keychains for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (metallic colors, modeling clay, clay tools)

Lesson Activities

1. Add color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to the positive space (letter) of the letter keychains

2. Add color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to the negative space (background) of the letter keychains

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the proportions (front, back, side) of the positive space (letter) and negative space (background) of the Illuminated Letters Keychains

Artist Examples

Student Examples