WINTER WREATHS

Winter Wreaths

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Winter Wreaths using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use cool colors (blue green purple), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by London Florist (2023-Present) Jessica Walker
• Use texture (actual visual implied) and design principles (balance composition repetition) based on Floral Designs
• Define Wreath (a circular arrangement of materials holding symbolic meaning to represent honor, victory, or celebration) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Countdown To Christmas (2024) Jessica Walker

2. Read Winter Wreath by Laura R. Vila 

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Anzac Day is a Remembrance Day in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate soldiers who have passed? Did you know many commemorative ceremonies have laying of wreaths, speeches, and soundings held at war memorials? What is the difference between a seasonal themed wreath and a botanical wreath? Did you know Victorian women would make three-dimensional wreaths with threads, feathers, and human hair? Did you know wreaths were made for mourning, commemorate weddings, and growth of families or social groups in churches? Did you know hanging or wearing a decorative wreath is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations? Did you know a laurel wreath is one of the most famous historical wreaths in history? Did you know ancient wreaths used natural materials like laurel and palm leaves?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Colored Construction Paper

2. Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths

3. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to draw the patterns (stripes swirls waves) onto the positive space (foreground middle ground wreath) of the Winter Wreaths

Day Two, Art Start 

1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables 

2.   First Christmas At Trade Court (2023) Jessica Walker

3. Discussion Questions "What did you learn about the history and significance of wreaths across different cultures? How does the symbolism of a wreath change based on the materials and the culture that it created? Which of the historical wreaths did you find most interesting? Why did you find this historical wreath interesting? What symbols or materials would you use to create a personal wreath that represents your own values or triumphs? If you could add anything to the wreath, even something silly like macaroni, what would you choose to add? Where did each natural piece of the wreath (pinecones, berries, branches) come from? Why do evergreen branches stay green all year, even in the cold winter? Why is a wreath shaped like a circle? What does a circle that never ends remind you of? Do people from other countries decorate with wreaths?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths

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

3. Add embellishments (pom poms, cotton balls, jewels) to the positive space (foreground, wreaths) of the Winter Wreaths 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, tempera paint, paint brushes, scissors)

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to add patterns (stripes swirls dots) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths

2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths

3. Use neutral colors (black grey brown white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Wreaths

Artist Examples

Student Examples