Raccoon Portraits

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Raccoon Portrait using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (black white grey), value (lightness darkness), and texture (rough smooth) inspired by French Illustrator (1995-Present) Jeanne Lelievre
• Understand the importance of recycling (process, reusable, waste) and design principles (movement repetition contrast) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Texture (the feel or appearance of a surface)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Elliot's Raccoon Drawings (2018) Jeanne Lelievre

2. Read Raccoon Moon by Nancy Carol Willis

3. Discussion Questions "Why are raccoons called nocturnal? What is unique about a raccoon's fur? How do raccoons open trash can lids, jars', and doorknobs? What purpose is it believed that the raccoon's bandit mask evolved? What unusual ability do raccoon's hind feet have? What planted crop is a particular favorite of the raccoon? How long does the average raccoon live in the wild? What are raccoons? Where do raccoons live? What is the average raccoon's height and weight? Are raccoons endangered? What are a raccoon's main predator?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" White Drawing Paper

2. Use pencils to draw line types (contour, continuous, outline) of positive space (raccoon) onto the drawing paper for raccoon portraits

3. Use permanent mark to outline line types (contour, continuous, outline) of the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Raccoon Portraits for Assigned Table

2. Raccoon Illustration (2019) Jeanne Lelievre

3. Discussion Questions "What is your favorite endangered species? How well does the work relate to the endangered species theme? How well do the elements of line and form work together? How does color enhance the artwork? How imaginatively does the work convey an idea or emotion? Why is it important to protect endangered species and their habitat? Why do you think people help these species thrive? What is the most serious problem facing our earth? How can you help erase the problems of these endangered animals? What changes need to happen in the world?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use marker to finish outlining the line types (contour, continuous, outline) of the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

2. Use neutral colors (black white grey) to fill in the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

3. Use neutral colors (black white grey) to fill in the negative space (background) of the raccoon portraits

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Raccoon Portraits for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water buckets, paper towel)

Lesson Activities

1. Use implied texture (whiskers, fur, masks) to add details to the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

2. Use value (lightness, darkness) to add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (raccoon) of the raccoon portraits

3. Use value (lightness, darkness) to add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the raccoon portraits

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Collagraph Hearts

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Collagraph Heart using collage techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), warm/cool colors (red, orange, yellow; green, blue, purple), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Artist (1964-Present) Burton Morris
• Use printmaking techniques (relief, collagraph, monoprint) and design principles (proportion, balance, movement) based on Pop Art
• Define Collagraph (a printmaking process using a plate made from a collage of materials)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. I Love You (2006) Burton Morris
2. Read The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring
3. Discussion Questions "What is pop art? What are key characteristics in Burton Morris art? Do you know what the word pop art means? Who is the most famous pop artist? Who is Burton Morris? Do you see connections to Burton Morris style or multiple views? Why is the artist using hearts to make a statement? What statement is being made by Burton Morris? How did printmaking become fine art? What type of medium do you think he uses in these works? What theme do you notice in all these pieces? What differences do you see between the works?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose One 8 X 11 Printmaking Paper
2. Use recycled material (yarn, sandpaper, tagboard, corrugated boards, foam shapes, craft foam) to cover heart template of Collagraph Heart
3. Use wooden tools to outline various lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of Collagraph Heart

Reminder: 

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Paper

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Collagraph Heart for Assigned Table
2. Wings of Love (2014) Burton Morris
3. Discussion Questions "What is going on in this artwork? Can you describe the lines in this artwork? Can you describe the colors in this artwork? How did the artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How does your eye move throughout the artwork? What choices did the artist make to make that happen? What is exciting about this artwork? What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? If you could ask the artist a question, what would you ask him? How do you think the artist feels about the final product? How do you think this artwork was made? Why do you think the artist created this work?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use wooden tools to outline various lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of Collagraph Heart
2. Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow) to fill in the positive space (heart) of the Collagraph Heart
3. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Collagraph Heart

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Collagraph Heart for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (brayer, printmaking plate, speedball ink)

Lesson Activities

1. Use printmaking paper to print one collagraph of every warm color (red, orange, yellow) of Collagraph Hearts
2. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (heart) of Collagraph Hearts
3. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to negative space (background) of Collagraph Hearts

Artist Examples

Student Examples