VALUE PEEPS

Value Peeps

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Value Peeps using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), value (highlights, shadows, tints, shades), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by Racine Art Museum (RAM) Peeps Brand Exhibition
• Use collage techniques (layering, overlapping, photomontage, assemblage) and design principles (composition, gradation, balance) based on Pop Art
• Define Composition (the arrangement, organization, and position of visual elements within an artwork)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Ode To Wayne Thiebaud (2022) Sarah Magana

2. Read Colorful Peeps by Random House 

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know peeps were first made in 1953 by Just Born? Did you know it took 27 hours to create one peep whereas now it takes 6 minutes to make a peep? Why would an artist pick a common item like candy to be art? How does changing the color of this peep change the mood of the artwork? How does repeating this shape make it look different? Why did you choose this specific artwork to recreate with peeps? What made it a good fit for these marshmallow characters? If your peeps could talk, what would they tell us about the time or the artist who created the original artwork? Did a peep fall over or a color change in a way that helped the scene? Why did you choose these specific colors for the background? How do they help the viewer focus on your main peep character? If you could jump into this scene, what would you hear, smell, or feel? Is it loud like a party or quiet like a library?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use graphite pencil to draw geometric shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles) for the positive space (foreground, peeps candies) of the Value Peeps

3. Use graphite pencil to draw perpendicular lines for the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Value Peeps 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Value Peeps for Assigned Tables 

2. The Marshmallow Peep Rest In A Garden (2024) Lynnzie Palomaki

3. Discussion Questions "What is going on in this artwork? What do you notice? What do you see the artwork that makes you say that? What are the feelings and mood the artwork evokes? What do you think the artist intended to communicate? What does this artwork remind you of? How do the elements like size, color, or line affect an audience? What would it be like to experience the scene within the artwork? What do you think will happen next, after they finish their peep candies? What kind of peep candies do you think they ordered? What details or little surprises do you notice in the background? Does this picture remind you anything you have seen or done before? What is the difference in this picture compared to a similar artwork? What else can you tell me about this artwork?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use tempera paint to fill in the positive space (foreground, peeps candies) with color combinations (analogous, complementary, intermediate) for the Value Peeps 

2. Use tempera paint to fill in the negative space (background, middle ground) with color combinations (analogous, complementary, intermediate) for the Value Peeps

3. Add details (shadows, highlights, texture) for the positive space (foreground, peeps candies) with color combinations (analogous, complementary, intermediate) for the Value Peeps 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Value Peeps for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (charcoal, blending tools, tempera paint, paint brushes)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, shadow, cast shadow) to the positive space (foreground, peeps candies) of the Value Peeps

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Value Peeps

3. Add embellishments (glitter, beads, ribbon) to the positive space (foreground, peeps candies) of the Value Peeps 

Artist Examples

Student Examples