Thursday, August 28, 2025
WENZEL HABLIK INSPIRED GALAXIES
Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric organic free form), color combinations (analogous, complementary, neutral), and value (lightness darkness tone) based on Czech Artist (1881-1934) Wenzel Hablik
- Use collage techniques (layering, overlapping, texture, cropping) and design principles (composition repetition, balance) from German Expressionism
- Define Space (the area within and around other shapes, forms, or colors)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Starry Sky, Attempt (1909) Wenzel Hablik
2. Read The Mysteries of The Universe: Discover The Best Kept Secrets Of Space by Will Gater
3. Discussion Questions "Are you looking to put the A in STEAM? What techniques did Wenzel Hablik use to create the luminous and translucent effects in his space artwork? What colors do you notice the most? Do they feel warm or cold? What kinds of shapes do you see? Do any shapes repeat? What does this artwork remind you of? Does it look like anything you have seen before? If you could step inside this picture, what would you do first? What kind of place is this? Is it a city, a mountain, or a place from outer space? Who do you think lives here? What do they like? How does this artwork make you feel? If this artwork had music, what would it sound like? Does this look like a real place or a make-believe place? What makes it look that way? What is different about this sky compared to the night sky we see? In this painting of the sea, what is the water doing? How does it look so powerful?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the positive space (foreground, planets) of the universe paintings
2. Add details (moons, suns, planets, stars, black holes, nebulae) to the positive space (foreground, planets) of the universe paintings
3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, neutral) to outline the positive space (foreground, planets) of the Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies for Assigned Tables
2. Firmament (1913) Wenzel Hablik
3. Discussion Questions "Were you inspired by a specific NASA image, concept from class, or imagination? How were the elements of art (line shape color value texture form space) used in the artwork? How was a sense of vastness or deep space created? Why were these specific colors used for the nebula? What is the focal point of the artwork, and why do you think the artist made it the focus? What attracts attention first? What mood or feeling does this artwork evoke? What visual elements (colors, textures) contribute to the mood? What story do the elements in this artwork tell? Based on what was seen, what might have happened before or after this moment? How does this artwork compared to a photograph or scientific documentation? Does this artwork make you curious to learn more about a specific space topic?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add texture (actual, visual implied) to the positive space (foreground, planets) of the universe paintings
2. Add texture (actual, visual, implied) to the negative space (background, universe, galaxy) of the universe paintings
3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, neutral) to outline the negative space (background) of the Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, tooth brushes, white paint, paint brushes)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, planets) of the universe paintings
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, galaxy, universe) of the universe paintings
3. Add details (shooting stars, stars, dust) to the negative space (background, galaxy, universe) of the Wenzel Hablik Inspired Galaxies
Artist ExamplesStudent Examples
Thursday, August 14, 2025
DOODLE GRID MURAL
Doodle Grid MuralLearning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Doodle Grid Mural using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), space (positive, negative), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by Multidisciplinary Artist (1995-Present) Bjarni Wark
- Use squiggle techniques (symbols, images, shapes, letters, numbers) and design principles (repetition, proportion, contrast) based on Public Art
- Define Mural (large scale artwork painted or applied onto a wall, ceiling, or other permanent surfaces)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Large Scale Portrait (2024) Bjarni Wark
2. Read Usborne: Lots Of Things To Doodle by Simon Tudhope and Krysta Ellis
3. Discussion Questions "What are some similarities and differences between these examples of previous murals? Have we worked on similar projects before? How would you describe the design process from initial concept to completion? How does the artist handle revisions to the design of the mural? How does the artist approach translating the design onto the wall? Does the artist create digital mockups or sketches to visualize the mural on the wall? What style of mural does the artist specialize in: realism, abstract, or illustrative? What materials does the artist use to create the mural on the wall? What is the theme or idea you noticed for this mural? How do artist ensure murals will be durable and long-lasting? What is your experience with public art? What advantages does doodle grid method have over traditional grid method? How do artists use the doodle grid method effectively with digital tools? How does the doodle method help with maintaining proportions and accuracy when scaling up artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose five "2 X 2" doodles (symbols, letters, numbers, shapes) to add to roll paper
2. Use protractor, straight edge, and compass to draw lines to help divide the sections (facial features, neck, shoulders, hair) of each location
3. Write name next to each five "2 X 2" doodle before beginning to add to Doodle Grid Mural
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve five "2 X 2" doodles (symbols, letters, numbers, shapes) for Assigned Tables
2. Magic Hour (2023) Max Sansing
3. Discussion Questions "How can the power of doodling be harnessed to help us create, develop, and file confident in our original ideas? How can doodles be note-taking images? What is the relationship between word and image? How can doodles be developed? How can doodles stay doodles? How does the doodle method compare to using a projector for mural scaling? What do you think are the most common mistakes artists make when using the doodle grid method? What are the advantages and disadvantages to traditional square grid compared to doodle grid? How did you decide where to draw your doodles? What do you see when you look at the finished artwork? What does this artwork remind you of? Do you think this method would be helpful for drawing other things?"
Lesson Activities
1. Fill in the negative space (background, middle ground, shadow) with primary colors (red, blue, yellow) of the Doodle Grid Mural
2. Fill in the positive space (facial features, hair style, shoulders) with neutral colors (black, grey, white) of the Doodle Grid Mural
3.Write personal signature in the negative space (background, shadows) of Doodle Grid Mural
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve "2 X 2" doodles (symbols, shapes, numbers, letters) for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (sharpie markers, chalk sticks, watercolor paint, tempera paint)
Lesson Activities
1. Outline personal signatures with primary colors (red yellow blue) three times before beginning to add to Doodle Grid Mural
2. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground, portrait) of the Doodle Grid Mural
3. Use shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Doodle Grid Mural
Artist ExamplesStudent Examples
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
CLAY PINATA ANIMALS
Clay Pinata AnimalsLearning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Pinata Animal using clay techniques learned in class
- Use texture (actual, visual, implied), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by the Aztec Empire
- Use sculpture techniques (carving, assembling, modeling, casting) and design principles (composition, gradation, proportion) based on 14th Century Art
- Define Pinata (a decorated container filled with candy broken open at parties)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Black And Pink Pig Pinata (2020) Robert Bernavidez
2. Read The Pinata Story by Lisa McCue and Michael McCue
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know that a piñata artist is called a pinetero? What types of hobbies (cooking, baking, sewing, mechanical skills, crafts) could be passed down from generation to generation? Did you know the piñata originated in China? Did you know the first piñatas discovered were fashioned as cows, oxen, or buffalo? Did you know piñata's were burned in the New Year with pieces gathered to bring good luck throughout the year? Did you know Europe created pinatas in the shapes of pineapples and pinecones? Do you know how a piñata is made? What elements do you associate with a celebration in the United States? What types of things do you commonly find at holiday or birthday parties? What was the Battle of Puebla? How did the battle help prevent the confederacy from winning the American Civil War? Do you know of other famous Mexican people such as Frida Kahlo? How are pinatas used in modern culture? Why are pinatas used in modern culture? How can a piñata be considered art? What do many of these pinatas represent? Did you know pinatas are a 400-year-old Mexican tradition?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slab into basic shapes (head, torso, arms, legs) for the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Piñata Animals
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (clothing, jewelry, accessories) for the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Pinata Animals
3. Add liens for the facial features (nose, eyes, mouth) for the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Pinata Animals
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pinata Animals for Assigned Tables
2. Sparrow Piñata (2024) Robert Bernavidez
3. Discussion Questions "What does symbolism meaning in art? Which artists are known for creating sculptures of everyday animals? What is an example of texture in clay art? Which of these artworks best shows a sculpture techniques? What is an armature in sculpture? Which design principle shows repeated patterns? What is going on in this picture? What do you see that makes you say that? what more can you find? What colors do you see? Could you point out these colors? What kind of animal is shown in the picture? What sounds does that animal make? Where can we find warm colors in this artwork? Where do we see cool colors? What textures do you notice in the piñata? Do the texture in the piñata appear to be hard or soft? What type of clay technique would you use to make the flat base of the clay piñata animal?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, torso, arms, legs) within the silhouette (figure, foreground) of the Clay Piñata Animals
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, crescent ears, big eyes, rectangular body) for the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Piñata Animals
3. Use needle tools to draw features (eyes, nose, mouth, finger nails, wrinkles) for the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Pinata Animals
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pinata Animals for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, needle tools, rubber mat)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the positive space (foreground, figure) of the Clay Piñata Animals
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Piñata Animals
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Piñata Animals
Artist ExamplesStudent Examples
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
CARDBOARD STEAMPUNK MACHINES
Cardboard Steampunk Machines
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Cardboard Steampunk Machines using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (metallic, earth tones, neutral colors), form (two dimensional, three dimensional) and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by Russian Sculptor (1987-Present) Igor Verny
- Use sculpture techniques (slots, tabs, folds, brackets) and design principles (balance, proportion, movement) based on Steampunk
- Define Kitbashing (art of making a sculpture by taking bits out of broken plastic toys, found objects, or recycled materials)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Little Bird (2020) Igor Verny
2. Read How The Steam Locomotive And Steam Technology Work by Robert Lamb
3. Discussion Questions "How has the Victorian Era affected art, literature, culture, fashion, and technology? What is the difference between form and function? How has the Gilded Age brought forth change? Which one: form or function does Steampunk identify with the most? What is the most significant imagery in Steampunk? How is Steampunk portrayed? How does the Victorian Era set the stage for fashion and how is fashion design a form of art? How does the Steampunk art movement relate to us now and how will it relate to generations from now? How do authors, illustrators, filmmakers, and artists integrate technology and science fiction with art to create Steampunk? Who and what has influenced the art movement? How has Steampunk influenced other pursuits and studies?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose Three 12 X 12 Cardboard Sheets
2. Use three compositional elements (shape color texture) to represent a memory, place, or event from ones own history
3. Use line variation (wavy, straight, curved) as a design principle (balance, proportion, composition) within ones own Cardboard Steampunk Machines
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Cardboard Steampunk Machines for Assigned Tables
2. Wasp (2018) Igor Verny
3. Discussion Questions "How has the use of steam made life easier for people throughout history? Can your sculptural piece embody the spirit of Steampunk? Did you know writings about imaginary spaceships can be traced to over 300 years ago? What structures today are similar to being in the air? What role does imagination play in science and vice versa? What fashion trends have influenced and contributed to steampunk fashion? How do thinkers and makers take inspiration from science fiction stories? How do artists have an impact on modern culture and future inventions?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use compass, protractor, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes (circle, square, triangle) and expressive lines (thick, thin, straight, curved) to the cardboard machines
2. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the positive space (animal, object, creature) of the cardboard machines
3. Add decorations (old newspaper, goggles, gears, bolts, screws) to the positive space (foreground) of the Cardboard Steampunk Machines
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Cardboard Steampunk Machines for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue bottles, cardboard, push pins, metallic paint)
Lesson Activities
1. Use scissors to cut out two dimensional shapes (circle, square, triangle) to create three dimensional shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) for the steampunk machines
2. Glue down three dimensional symmetrical shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) to create a three dimensional structure (cylinder, cone, pyramid) for the steampunk machines
3. Add decorations (old art, newspaper, colored paper) to the positive space (foreground) of the Cardboard Steampunk Machines
Artist ExamplesStudent Examples
Thursday, November 21, 2024
SEQUIN PAINTINGS
Sequin Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Sequin Painting using mixed media techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, primary), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Performance Artist (1946-2020) Tina Girouard
- Use textile art (fiber, woven fabric, embroidery, knitwear) and design principles (contrast, repetition, emphasis) based on Post Minimalism
- Define Sequin (a small, shiny disk sewn as one of many onto clothing or canvas for decoration)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Hibiscus (1995) Tina Giroaurd
2. Watch A Brief History Of Sequins by The Great British Sewing Bee
3. Discussion Questions "Why do humans beings have a need for art or visual art forms? What is the purpose of a ritual? Did you know sequins were invented in 1960 by two American women who sold the idea to an English company? Did you know the trend of sequins on clothes started in an Egyptian tomb? Did you know Michael Jackson, King Tut, and Leonardo Da Vinci had sequin pendants? Would you wear clothing made entirely from sequins? How do artists use various mediums to explore complex themes of identity, spirituality, social justice, and global issues? Are there places you should not wear sequin clothing? Did you know Leonardo Da Vinci sketched plans for a sequin making machine? Did you know the ruby slippers from Wizard Of Oz were made out of sequins?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, grey, white) to fill in the positive space (foreground, subject matter) for the sequin paintings
2. Use white lines (thin, thick, curved) to add patterns (stripes, waves, dots) to the positive space (foreground, subject matter) of the sequin paintings
3. Use black lines (thin, thick, curved) to add patterns (stripes, waves dots) to the negative space (background) of the Sequin Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sequin Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Pink Floral (Lily Pad) (1990) Tina Girouard
3. Discussion Questions "How do artists work? How has the practice of the artist changed overtime? What role do artist shave in society? What is integral to the work of an artist? What is the background of the work? What are do you most identify with? What is your strongest memory of your childhood? What is your favorite artwork? Which two colors are used in negative space photographs? What does it captivate, in terms of emotions, to the audience of negative space? What are the three basic elements of composition needed in drawing? What is positive space in art? Which is the difference between positive and negative space? Which is easier to understand between the two different spaces? Which do you think is more important the positive space of the negative space? Can you see all hidden images in the designs below?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, subject matter) with sequins for sequin paintings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) with sequins for the sequin paintings
3. Use drawing techniques (blending layering overlapping) to add contrast to the composition of the Sequin Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sequin Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (canvas, sequins, glue sticks, hot glue, pencils)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, subject matter) of the sequin paintings
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the sequin paintings
3. Add overlapping shapes (circles, ovals, round shapes) to the positive space (foreground, subject matter) of the Sequin Paintings