WINTER LANTERNS

Winter Lanterns

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Winter Lanterns using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic free form), color combinations (neutral colors, cool colors, monochromatic colors), and value (lightness, darkness, shadows, highlights) inspired by Post Impressionist (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
• Use core drawing techniques (scale, simple forms, spatial relationships, line stylization) and design principles (proportion, gradation contrast) based on Post Impressionism
• Define Chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in a drawing or painting) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Terrance and Observation Deck at the Moulin de Blute-Fin, Montmartre (1887) Vincent Van Gogh

2. Read The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer

3. Discussion Questions "How does art help us understand the lives of people of different times, places, and cultures? How is light used as an artistic medium in museums and public spaces? How do these illustrations transform a space and tell a story? What words would you use to describe the winter season? What kind of winter scene would you like to create for the lantern? Where will this lantern's light illuminate? Will the lantern illuminate inside of cozy room or within the dark of the night sky? Where does the light from the lantern travel? Does it go to the moon or through a neighbor's window? Why do streetlights exist? What is the purpose of a streetlight in our neighborhood? Why do people all over the world celebrate light during the longest night of the year? How is lighting a winter solstice lamp like sending a message of hope?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (thick, thin) to fill in the foreground (positive space, streetlamp), middle ground (berries, snowflakes, branches), and background (night sky) of the Winter Lanterns 

2. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to fill in the positive space (street lamps, foreground) of the Winter Lanterns

3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) for the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns  

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables 

2. View Of Royal Road, Ramsgate (1876) Vincent Van Gogh

3. Discussion Questions "Can you think of other holidays or traditions that use light to celebrate during the winter? As you look at your lamp, what are some wishes you have for the new year? What is something that brought your joy this year that you want to carry with you? Why do we need darkness, and what good things happen in the dark? What does the light from a lamp, candle, or bonfire symbolize? What colors did you choose for your lamp, and what do they make you think? How does the light of the lamp make you feel? What kind of pictures or shapes do you see when the light shines through the holes in the lamp? Have you ever noticed when the streetlights turn on? Do you think streetlights with special designs are made to be beautiful or give light to neighbors?"

 Lesson Activities

1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

2. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns

3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets, wash cloth) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadows, shadows) within the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns 

3. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns

Artist Examples

Student Examples