DA VINCI ACORNS

Da Vinci Acorns

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Da Vinci Acorns using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and value (lightness, darkness) inspired by Renaissance Artist (1452-1519) Leonardo Da Vinci
• Use sketchbook techniques (paper cutting, painted backgrounds, reusable) and design principles (proportion, contrast, emphasis) based on the Renaissance Period
• Define Sketchbook (a pad or drawing paper for sketching ideas)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Springs of Oak And Dyers Greenweed (1506) Leonardo Da Vinci

2. Read Leonardo Da Vinci (Art For Children) by Ernest Raboff

3. Discussion Questions "Does an artist have to mirror nature to convey nature? Can artist interact with nature as a subject in different way? How do artists move their arms to create a work of art? Where was the artist standing in conjunction with the work of art? Where was the artist standing in conjunction with the work of art? Do depictions of nature have to be beautiful? Does an artist need experience firsthand to represent it successfully? Are paintings of nature a reflection of an artist's lifetime? how do works of art concerned with nature relate to socioeconomic, cultural, or political context in which they were made? How does the meaning of an artist change over time? How an artwork be interpreted different at different moments in history?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use geometric shapes (oval, circle, rectangle) to draw the positive space (acorn) of the Da Vinci Acorns

2. Use geometric shapes (oval, circle, rectangle) to draw the negative space (background) of the Da Vinci Acorns

3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the positive space (acorn) and negative space (background) of the Da Vinci Acorns

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Da Vinci Acorns for Assigned Tables

2. Sprays of Oak Leaves And Acorns (1512) Leonardo Da Vinci

3. Discussion Questions "Why does an artist enjoy drawing from observations? What skills can you learn from teaching yourself to draw animals, insects, or plants? Why are we drawing from observation? What do you think Leonardo Da Vinci's drawings? Why would he draw acorns? What is a sketch? What makes Da Vinci's drawings unique? Do you think these were meant to be shown or shared with the word? What objects or subjects interest you? What would you like to invent?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add details (shadows, highlights, texture) to the positive space (acorns) of the acorn drawings

2. Use oil pastels to fill in the negative space (background) with neutral colors (black white grey) of the acorn drawings

3. Use oil pastels to fill negative space (background) with neutral colors (black white grey) for Da Vinci Acorns

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Da Vinci Acorns for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (construction paper, oil pastels, charcoal)

Lesson Activities

1. Add acorn parts (scales, stems, branches) with neutral colors (black white grey) for acorn drawings

2. Use texture techniques (eraser cloth sponge) to add details (scales, stems, branches) to acorn drawings

3. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) and shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Da Vinci Acorns

Artist Examples

Student Examples