Mouse Proportions 

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Mouse Proportions using drawing techniques in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic), line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), and space (positive negative) inspired by American Animator (1901-1971) Ub Iwerks
• Use paper techniques (folding bending cutting) and design principles (balance movement proportion) based on American Art
• Define Composition (placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Steamboat Willie Animation Production Drawing (1928) Ub Iwerks

2. Read Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh

3. Discussion Questions, "What kind of animal is Mickey Mouse? How many buttons are are Mickey Mouse's pants? What are the names of the two dogs on Mickey's Clubhouse? What is the color of Mickey Mouse's shoes? What is the name of Mickey Mouse's pet? What is the name of the film where Mickey made his debut? What is the name of Mickey Mouse's girlfriend? When did Micky first appear animated in color? Who was the first in voicing Mickey Mouse? What is Mickey Mouse full name? Who is Mickey Mouse's nemesis?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 8" X 12" Drawing Paper

2. Add line types (contour outline perspective) to the positive space (animal) of the mouse compositions

3. Outline line types (contour outline perspective) with neutral colors (black grey white) of the mouse composition

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mouse Proportions for Assigned Table 

2. Mickey Mouse and Pete Production Drawing (1928) Ub Iwerks

3. Discussion Questions "What animal are you going to draw? What is the animal doing? What body covering does the name have? What type of animal is it? Where could the animal be going? Is the animal happy or sad? What is the background of the image? What is behind the animal drawing? what is the largest mammal in the world? What animal is the tallest in the world? What is the slowest animal in the world? What animal has the longest life span? What is your favorite animal?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the positive space (mouse) of the mouse compositions

2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the mouse compositions

3. Use embellishments (plastic eyes, bubble wrap, brown paper) to fill the positive space (mouse) of the mouse compositions

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mouse Proportions for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, scissors, glue sticks) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (mouse) of the mouse compositions 

2. Add shadow (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill the negative space (background) of the mouse compositions

3. Add details (whispers, spots, eyelashes) to the positive space (mouse) of the Mouse Proportions

Artist Examples

Student Examples