Desert Landscapes

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Desert Landscapes using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic), and line types (parallel, straight, curved) inspired by Orientalist Painter (1853-1907) Eugene Girardet
• Use drawing techniques (observational, perspective, contour) and design principles (composition, movement, gradation) based on Realism
• Define Horizon Line (point where the earth meets the sky)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Dans Les Hauts Plateaux, Apres Lorage (1853) Eugene Girardet

2. Read Desert Voices by Byrd Bayor

3. Discussion Questions "Where is the painted desert located? How many miles long is the painted desert? What happened to some of the trees here? What are the three concepts in landscape paintings? What are the basic elements in this landscape painting? What strikes you the most about this landscape? What mood odes it evoke? What is the main idea of this painting? Is there a dominant atmospheric effect? Is there a dominant color temperature in the landscape? What is the focal point? What is the main idea of this painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the scenery (background, foreground, middle ground) of the landscape painting

2. Add details (building, animals, plants) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

3. Use colored sharpies to outline the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Desert Landscapes

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Desert Landscapes for Assigned Tables

2. Flight Into Egypt (1853) Eugene Girardet

3. Discussion Questions "What can you see? what do you think the meaning behind this image is? How does this image make you feel? What do you like about the image? What are some art laments and principles you can see? How does the artist use brushes or tools to show all the vials elements in his paintings? How will you compose your section? How will your section fit into the big picture? How is this painting inspiring your own work?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (swirls, stars, stripes) into the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

2. Use complimentary colors (green red, blue orange, purple yellow) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

3. Use complimentary colors (green red, blue orange, purple yellow) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Desert Landscapes for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (washable markers, black sharpies, felt pens)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (sunlight, reflection) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the landscape paintings 

3. Add details (animals, people, buildings) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Tropical Landscapes

Artist Examples

Student Examples