MIXED MEDIA STARFISH

Mixed Media Starfish

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Mixed Media Starfish using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use secondary colors (green, orange, purple), line types (contour, outline, curved), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by Star of the Sea: A Day In The Life of a Starfish by Janet Halfmann
• Use science connections (marine biologist, tidal pools, action characteristics) and design principles (movement, rhythm, balance) based on Personal Art
• Define Rhythm (repeating color, value, line, and shape within a work of art)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Starfish On Pink (1949) Alexander Calder
2. Read Star of the Sea: A Day In The Life of a Starfish by Janet Halfmann
3. Discussion Questions "What is a Starfish? Where do Starfish live? Where do starfish come from? How many arms does a sea star have? How does a sea star eat? Where are sea stars found? What types of colors are these starfish? Can starfish live on shore? How fast or how slow do starfish move? Do starfish have gills? Why are starfish shaped like stars? Do starfish make sound? Have you ever seen any of the types of starfish before? What are some similarities and differences you notice between these starfish? How many different types of starfish do you think are in the sea?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use geometric shapes (oval, circle, cylinder) to draw basic shapes of Mixed Media Starfish
3. Use value (lightness, darkness) to fill in the geometric shapes (oval, circle, cylinder) of Mixed Media Starfish

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Starfish for Assigned Table
2. Starfish In The Sea (2015) Allen Ye
3. Discussion Questions "What is different about these starfish? How would you describe the shape of these starfish? Do you think all these starfish are the same shape? Do you see any patterns on these starfish? How is this starfish different from the others? Do you think this starfish is rough or smooth? How do you think the starfish would feel if you touched it? What is the shape of the starfish? Is it shiny and smooth? Is it bumpy and rough? How many colors do you see on the starfish? Are any of the patterns alike? Are any of the patterns different? Do all starfish have the same pattern?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to decorative patterns of Mixed Media Starfish
2. Use patterns (swirls, dots, stripes) to add decorative designs to positive space (starfish) of the Mixed Media Starfish
3. Use chalk pastel to fill in the negative space (background) with secondary colors (green, purple, orange) of the Mixed Media Starfish

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Starfish for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (pencils, sidewalk chalk, embellishments)

Lesson Activities

1.Blend secondary colors (green, purple, orange) for the positive space (starfish) of the Mixed Media Starfish
2. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the negative space (background) of the Mixed Media Starfish
3. Add illusion of depth by adding shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) of the Mixed Media Starfish

Artist Examples

Student Examples