Unicorn Collages
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Unicorn Collage using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (rainbow order, neon colors, metallic colors), line types (loopy, spiral, scallop, wavy), and shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) inspired by The Unicorn Tapestries
- Use collage techniques (assemblage, photomontage, mixed media, decoupage) and design principles (proportion, contrast, repetition) based on Medieval Art
- Define Imagination (the power to form ideas and images in the mind)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Tapestry Fragment Depicting A Unicorn (1500) Victoria and Albert Museum
2. Read Never Let A Unicorn Scribble by Diane Alber
3. Discussion Questions "What do you notice about these creatures? Why might an artist choose to combine parts of many different animals? What might these different animals symbolize? Why might someone have wanted to decorate their doorway with creatures like these? Where might we see animals like these today? What kind of creatures would you choose to decorate your own space? Why would you choose these creatures? How big will your unicorn be? What kind of features (water, tree, fences) does the unicorn need? How will you care for the unicorn everyday? Did you know that some people in medieval times thought unicorns were real animals? What is a magical creature? How are magical creatures different from everyday beings? What specials powers do magical creatures have? What kinds of magical creatures are found in different cultures and in stories from around the world? What makes a magical creature special or unusual?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use pencil to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages
3. Use pencil to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Unicorn Collages for Assigned Tables
2. The Unicorn In Captivity (1495-1505) South Netherlands
3. Discussion Questions "If you could make a tapestry, what would be in it? Would there be animals in your tapestry? Where would the animals be and what would they be doing? What details would you include? Would you hide little animals, like the frog in Unicorn In Captivity? What colors would you use? What does the unicorn in the story have in common with the one you saw in the picture? Why might some things about this unicorn be different? What special powers does the unicorn in the story have? Was the unicorn in the story friendly or unfriendly? Was the unicorn in this story different than unicorns we read or heard about the other day? If you were a unicorn, what powers would you have? Would you rather have a unicorn or a dragon as a friend? If you were a unicorn, what kinds of things would you do? Would you like to be a unicorn? Why or why not?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, rainbow order, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages
2. Use color combinations (analogue, rainbow order, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages
3. Use oil pastels to add patterns (dots, stripes, swirls, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Unicorn Collages for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, watercolor paint, glue sticks, construction paper)
Lesson Activities
1. Use oil pastels to add patterns (dots, stripes, swirls, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages
2. Use neutral colors (black, white, brown, grey) for the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages
3. Add embellishments (jewels, glitters, fabric) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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