BUFFALO HUNT COLLAGES

 Buffalo Hunt Collages

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create an original Buffalo Hunt Collage using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (fur, cloth, grass) inspired by American Adventurer (1762-1872) George Catlin
• Use landscape elements (horizon line, background, foreground, middle ground) and design principles (composition, movement, gradation) based on Realism 
• Define Horizon Line (the point where the earth meets the sky)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Catlin and his Indian Guide Approaching Buffalo under the Wolf-skin Mask (1832-1833) George Catlin

2. Read The Buffalo Storm by Katherine Applegate

3. Discussion Questions "Are the buffalo in a single clump or does the herd extend to the horizon and beyond the sides of the picture plane? What are the differences and similarities between Native American and American perspectives on the natural world? What visual clues in these portraits indicate these individuals tribal rank and acts of bravery? What was Catlin's story? Was Catlin a leader? How do these personal stories embody the values and the perceptions of the sections they led?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 8" X 12" Drawing Paper

2. Add line types (contour, outline perspective) to the positive space (foreground) of the buffalo collages

3. Outline line types (contour, outline, perspective) with earth tones (brown, yellow, orange) of the Buffalo Hunt Collages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Buffalo Hunt Collages for Assigned Tables

2. Elk and Buffalo Making Acquaintance, Texas (1846-1848) George Catlin

3. Discussion Questions "What is the evidence that some Native Americans wished to remain in isolation from Europeans and Americans? Did all Native Americans wish to remain isolated? What motivated Europeans and Americans to move west? Which interactions between Europeans and Americans caused significant changes in Native American life? What cultural forces influenced Catlin to adopt such a perspective? Does the landscape appear vast or of limited size? Does the figure dominate the landscape? What does the presence of a lone native suggest? What is the natural state depicted by Catlin?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm colors ( red orange yellow) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the buffalo collages

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

3. Use embellishments (brown paper, painted paper, sand paper) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Buffalo Hunt Collages

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Buffalo Hunt Collages for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paintbrushes, water buckets)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the buffalo collages

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the buffalo collages

3.  Add details (fur, hooves, horns) to the positive space (foreground) of the Buffalo Hunt Collages

Artist Examples

Student Examples