Friday, September 12, 2025
COLOR MIXING CONTAINERS
Color Mixing Containers
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Color Mixing Containers using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and color combinations (color theory, color mixing, primary, secondary) inspired by American Artist (1928-1994) Donald Judd
- Use painting techniques (dry brushing, wet-on-wet, transparent layer) and design principles (composition, proportion, balance) based on Minimalism
- Define Color Mixing (the process of combining pigments to create new colors)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Banquet Piece With Ham (1965) Willem Claesz
2. Read Do You Believe in Match (A Wild Thing Book): The Search For Wonder From Sorcery To Science by Laura Krantz
3. Discussion Questions "What do you think is a container? Can you name different types of containers (baskets, tubs, bags)? Which containers are viewed as functional and which containers are viewed as decorative? Could you make any shapes into a form? What do you know about STEAM? Why should we combine science and art together? Do you know what primary colors are? Do you know what secondary colors are? What do you think will happen when we mix these two colors together? What do you notice? What does it look like, feel like, or sound like? What steps did you take to make your artwork better? What new colors can you make by mixing these colors? Do you see any patterns forming in your artwork? How are the crystals forming? Are these crystals the same shape and size? If you were a scientist drawing this container, what details would you include? Where is the light coming from? How does this affect the shape of the shadows? How are you attaching different pieces together?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper
2. Add three dimensional shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid, sphere) to the composition of arranged objects (glassware, fabric, inanimate objects) for the Color Mixing Containers
3. Add an horizon line to the negative space (background, middle ground) to separate the folded drapery, objects, wallpaper for Color Mixing Containers
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Color Mixing Containers for Assigned Tables
2. A Banquet Piece With An Overturned Tazza and Oysters
3. Discussion Questions "What is a still life? Is a still life a simple painting or drawing of objects? Is it different from other forms of figurative work in the sense that it cannot move? Can you guess how many types of still life there are for three merits? How can you create a still life effectively? What was the inspiration for your artwork? When did you learn about a famous artist, culture, place, or time in history? What materials did you use? What techniques have you used in this painting? What are you proud of in your artwork? What style is that? Where you using your imagination, memories, or observing from real life? How did the artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How does your eye move through this artwork? What choices did the artist make to make this happen? How would you describe this artwork to someone who has never seen it? What elements seem dreamlike or imaginary?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (primary, secondary, color mixing, color theory) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the color mixing containers
2. Use color combinations (primary, secondary, color mixing, color theory) to fill in the negative space (background) of the color mixing containers
3. Use shape stamps to add patterns (stripes, floral, silk, wood) to the negative space (background) of the Color Mixing Containers
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Color Mixing Containers for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, water bucket, brushes, glue sticks)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the subject matter (foreground, mixing containers) and the positive space (foreground, mixing containers) of the color mixing containers
2. Add shadows (cast shadows, shadows) to the negative space (background) of the color mixing containers
3. Outline details (patterns, objects, potions) in the positive space (foreground, mixing containers) of the Color Mixing Containers
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
HONEY JAR COLLAGES
Honey Jar Collages
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Honey Jar Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (warm colors, neutral colors, earth tones), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by English Illustrator (1879-1976) Ernest Howard Shepard
- Use collage techniques (cutting, layering, tearing, clipping) and design principles (contrast, emphasis, repetition) based on Winnie the Pooh: Classic Collection by A.A. Milne
- Define Composition (the way different elements of an artwork are combined or arranged together)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. The House At Pooh Corner With Decorations (1928) Ernest Howard Shepard
2. Read Winnie the Pooh And Some Bees by A.A.Milne
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know evidence of beekeeping was present in hieroglyphs of Egypt from 3500 BC? Did you know honey was the only sweetening materials for centuries? Did you know lore, customs, art, and religious ceremonies are surrounded around honeybees and honey? What does it mean to be as "busy as a bee"? Why are bees vital for humans' survival? Did you know honey jars can be traced back to ancient times of African American Hoodoo traditions? Do you know the difference between a wild hive and a beehive box? Do you see the same shape repeatedly in the honeycomb? How many sides does the shape have? Why does Pooh write "Hunny" instead of "Honey" on his pots? What kind of challenges does Pooh face when trying to get honey from a pot? What makes the honey pots so special? Is the misspelling unique to Pooh or is it a general characteristic of the stories?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping) to make a composition for the honey jar collages
2. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping) to add parts (plastic lid, dripping honey, leaves) to the positive space (foreground, container) of the honey jar collages
3. Add design details (patterns, shadows, glitter) to the positive space (foreground, container) of the Honey Jar Collages
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Honey Jar Collages for Assigned Tables
2. Counting Pots Of Honey (1928) Ernest Howard Shepard
3. Discussion Questions "What was happening in history when this artwork was made? How does this change your understanding of the artwork? What are the values and beliefs of the culture in which this artwork was made? How might your interpretation of this artwork be different from someone in another culture? If you could ask this artwork a question, what would you ask it? What does this artwork teach us about the future? How can you connect this artwork to your own life? How does this title contribute to your understanding of the meaning? How did the artist use line, shape, and color to contribute to the mood or meaning of the artwork? What doe you think happened before this scene? What do you think happened next? What do you think the artist is trying to say in this artwork? What is the meaning or message? How does your eye more through the artwork? What choices did the artist make to make that happen?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use value (highlights, reflective light, cast shadows) to add contrast to the positive space (foreground, container) of the honey jar collages
2. Use value (cast shadow, shadow, highlights) to add contrast to the negative space (background) of the honey jar collages
3. Use texture (actual, visual, implied) to add details (patterns, shadows, highlights) to the positive space (foreground, container) of the honey jar collages
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Honey Jar Collages for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glitter, glue sticks, scissors, construction paper)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (neutral colors, warm colors, earth tones) to fill in the positive space (container, foreground) of the honey jar collages
2. Use color combinations (neutral colors, warm colors, earth tones) to fill in the negative space (background) of the honey jar collages
3. Use metallic colors (gold, silver, bronze) to outline the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (container, foreground, honey) of the honey jar collages
Artist Examples 
Student Examples
Friday, September 5, 2025
FAIRY HOUSE DRAWINGS
Fairy House Drawings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Fairy House Drawing using painting techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (visual, actual, implied) inspired by American Artist (2011-Present) Cindy Dauer
- Use drawing techniques (shading, hatching, stippling, scribbling) and design principles (proportion, emphasis, variation) based on American Art
- Define Architecture (the process of designing and creating buildings)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. House With Plant Monster (2015) Cindy Dauer
2. Read Ralph Masiello's Fairy Drawing Book (Ralph Masiello's Drawing Books) by Ralph Masiello
3. Discussion Questions "What are some things you see the people doing in this drawing? What are some things happening in this drawing? What kind of gnome or fairy lives in this house? Does the gnome or fairy have any pets or special animal friends? What is the house made of (leaves, sticks, mushrooms, magical)? Are there special doors, windows, or stairs to this house? What does the furniture in the house look like? Does this house have a special feature, like a baloney, a look out, or a secret room? Where is the fairy house located? Is it in a forest, by a river, or in your own garden? Why kind of garden or car does the fairy or gnome have? What does the land around the house look like? Why happens in a typical day for the fairies who live there? What could be adde to this picture with more time? Are there other creatures or neighbors who live nearby? How fun would it be to live in a pumpkin, acorn, squash, or truck of a tree?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use observational drawing techniques (composition, direct light, value) to draw the basic parts (roof, windows, door, base) of the fairy house drawings
2. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (windows, doorways, balconies) to the positive space (foreground) of the fairy house drawings
3. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (trees, dirt path, puddles) to the negative space (background) of the Fairy House Drawings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Fairy House Drawings for Assigned Tables
2. Mr. Big Feet's House (2015) Cindy Dauer
3. Discussion Questions "What natural materials are suitable for building fairy houses? What are some famous examples of biomorphic architecture? How does the shape of the house reflect the inhabitants? What magical elements would be in this home? How does your design tell a story about the fairy who lives there? How would different materials create different textures and moods? What special features would a fairy need in this home? What kind of fairy lives in this home and how does personality influence design? How does the house blend in with its environment? What types of lines and shapes are present in your house? How does color help create a mood or atmosphere for the fairy house? If we were to look at your fairy house from a different angle, what would we see? How are details like windows, doors, and roofs designed to be functional or imaginative? What was the most challenging part of designing and building your fairy house?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use types of pattern (stripes, swirls, meanders) to fill in the positive space (foreground, house) of the fairy house drawings
2. Add high contrast (shaded areas, shadows) and light/medium contrast (background, light areas, middle ground) to the white space of the fairy house drawings
3. Add embellishments (fabric, gems, rhinestones) to the positive space (foreground, house) of the Fairy House Drawings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Fairy House Drawings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (colored pencils, sharpie markers, watercolor, oil pastels, gel pens)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the positive space (foreground, house) of the fairy house drawings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the negative space (background, landscape) of the fairy house drawings
3. Add additional types of pattern (stripes, swirls, meanders) to the negative space (background, landscape) of the Fairy House Drawings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
MIXED MEDIA HIBERNATING BEARS
Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Mixed Media Hibernating Bears using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use complementary colors (red green, purple yellow, blue orange), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by English Poet (1774-1843) Robert Southey
- Use collage techniques (juxtaposition, layering, composition, adhesive) and design principles (variation, emphasis, movement) based on Children Literature
- Define Quilt (two layers of cloth held together by stitching a pattern)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Yogi 2 (2025) Erik Abel
2. Read Goldilocks And The Three Bears by Jan Brett
3. Discussion Questions "What is hibernation? Why do bears do when it is cold and snowy outside? Why do some animals go into a deep, long sleep all winter long to stay safe? What color is the cave of the cave opening? Is the snow soft or hard? What shape is the cave opening? Who did we have hibernating in a cave today? What does a sleeping bear look like? Where does a bear sleep in the winter? What kind of den would your bear build? What will your bear use to make a cozy den? What color will the fur of bear be? How can we make the fur look fluffy? How can you show the bear is curled up tight? What will we use to make the bear eyes look closed? What other things do we need to add to this picture? Should we add little zzzs to show the bear is sleeping?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose a bear reference photograph for the positive space (foreground, drawing, animal) of the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
2. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to fill in the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
3. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to fill in the negative space (background, blanket, pillow) of the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Mixed Media Hibernating Bears for Assigned Tables
2. Yogi 3 (2025) Erik Abel
3. Discussion Questions "What was your favorite part about making the bear? What materials did you use to create the bear? What different kinds of bears (polar bear, brown bear, panda bear) can you think of? What sounds might a bear make? How could you show the sound in your artwork? What shapes do you see in the body of your bear (head, ears, belly)? How can we show that one bear is bigger or smaller than the other bears? How is your bear the same as a real bear? Is your bear a heavy sleeper? What does your bear dream about? What makes your bear so sleepy? Is it tired from playing all day long? what time of year is it for your sleepy bear? Is it hibernating for the winter? What title would you give your sleepy bear masterpiece?"
Lesson Activities
1. Draw light outline of the selected bear reference for the positive space (bear, blanket, foreground) onto the watercolor paper
2. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
3. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add shadows (reflective light, light source) to the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Mixed Media Hibernating Bears for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, construction paper, crayons, watercolor)
Lesson Activities
1. Use graphic techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to finish adding details (plaid pajamas, pillow, floor) to the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
2. Add value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to the positive space (foreground, bear, blankets) of the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
3. Add details (plaid pajamas, pillow, floor) using illustrative techniques (hatching, stippling, cross hatching) to the Mixed Media Hibernating Bears
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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 Examples
Student Examples
Posts
