Chinese New Year Dragons
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Chinese New Year Dragons using painting techniques learned in class
- Use metallic colors (gold, silver, bronze), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Chinese Painter (1235-1266) Chen Rong
- Use drawing techniques (gesture, sketch, outline) and design principles (composition, gradation, repetition) based on Asian Art
- Define Mythology (collection of stories belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. A Dragon Emerging From The Clouds (1201) Chen Rong
2. Read Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year by Joan Holub
3. Discussion Questions "What is the Chinese New Year called? What animal does the dragon have based on Chinese mythology? Which dynasty in China does the dragon dance date back from? Why do people welcome the Dragon Dance? Which style of dragon dance has the most decorative dragon? What do different Chinese dragons symbolize? How do you say 'red dragon' in Mandarin Chinese? What is the world record for the longest dragon? Why are Chinese Dragons important to Chinese culture?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Add line types (contour, outline, perspective) to positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
3. Outline line types (contour, outline, perspective) with neutral colors (black, grey, brown) for the positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Chinese New Year Dragons for Assigned Tables
2. Nine Dragons (1201) Chen Rong
3. Discussion Questions "What is the difference between a myth and a legend? What adjectives would you use to describe the Chinese Dragon? Do you have a story about a dragon in your culture? How is the New Year celebrated in the Chinese Culture? Why is the Chinese New Year important? How long does the Chinese New Year celebration last? Have you ever been to a parade? Did the artist choose and use the proper method of construction that would work best for their dragon? Is the basic structure of the dragon formed properly? Do the walls have a consistent thickness throughout the piece? Are the dragons' features joined together using an assemblage method? What is hidden in the depths of the ocean?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
3. Use embellishments (plastic eyes, bubble wrap, brown paper) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Chinese New Year Dragons for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, water buckets)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
3. Add details (whiskers, spots, eyelashes) to the positive space (dragon) of the Chinese New Year Dragons
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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