Sugar Skull Portraits
Learning Targets
I can...- Create a Sugar Skull using watercolor techniques learned in class
- Use patterns (swirls, dots, curved lines), value (highlights, shadows), and positive/negative space (person, background)
- Use design principles (balance, movement, focal point) to replicate different traditional, historical, and symbolic art forms from Central & South American Folk Art
- Define Calaveras (decorative human skull)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Calavera Oaxaquena (1903) Political Cartoonist Jose Guadalupe
2. El Dia De Los Muertos (Day Of The Dead) by Bob Barner
3. Dia de los Muertos "Day of The Dead" is a traditional Central & South American Cultural Event that happens on November 1st and 2nd. This large celebration honors lost loved ones and ancient ancestors (Mayan, Olmec, Mexicas) who have come before us. Every banner, picture, cross, candle, and flower has a significant meaning, story, and memory tied to the individual. Have you ever lost someone close to you? What a significant memory or story you could share about that person? What might be a symbol or image that could represent them?
Lesson Activities
1. Use patterns (swirls, dots, curves) to add decorative symbols or meaning to ones portrait
2. Look at images or photographs of different Calaveras (Aztec, Mayan, Toltec) when choosing clothing styles (feathery hats, long dresses, beaded jewelry) for ones own Sugar Skull Portrait
Reminder:
- Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Paper
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sugar Skull Portrait for assigned table
2. Retrieve Photograph Reference, Water Bucket, Paintbrush, and Ink Bottle
Lesson Activities
1, Use watercolor techniques (blending, dabbing, layering) to add value (highlights, shadows) to Sugar Skull Portraits
2. Look at images or photographs of different Calaveras (Aztec, Mayan, Toltec) when adding details (cross, flowers, stitches) to clothing styles (feathery hats, long dresses, beaded jewelry)
3. Use white tempera paint to add contrast to the positive (person) and negative (background) space
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sugar Skull Portrait for assigned table
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, paintbrush, ink bottle)
Lesson Activities
1. Finish using watercolor techniques (blending, dabbing, layering) to add value (highlights, shadows) to Sugar Skull Portraits
2. Finish using tempera paint to add contrast to the positive (person) and negative (background) space
3. Use black/grey/white watercolor pencils to add finishing details (eyelashes, lipstick, stitches) to the face
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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