LOIS MAILOU JONES DESIGNS

 Lois Mailou Jones Designs

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Lois Mailou Jones Designs using drawing techniques learned in class 
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Art Educator (1905-1998) Lois Mailou Jones
• Use drawing techniques (outline, contour, continuous) and design principles (composition, repetition, proportion) based on American Art
• Define Mask (an object worn on the face for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. African Masks (1996) Lois Mailou Jones

2. Read Lois Mailou Jones: A Life In Vibrant Color by Mint Museum of Charloette

3. Discussion Questions "Historically speaking, why were masks created and used in Africa? Who created Adrinkra symbols? What do Adrinkra symbols communicate? What is your favorite Adrinkra symbol? Why do you like that Adrinkra symbol? If you were to create your own symbol to represent yourself, what would it look like? What does this symbol represent? What did Jones do as a career besides painting? Where did she work? Where was Jones influenced to create African Art? How does this artwork help further her career as an artist? Why do you think Jones explored African Art and culture?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use gesture lines to add facial features (eyes, large hands) and facial proportions (head, shoulder) for the Lois Mailou Jones Designs 

3. Use gesture lines to add costume characteristics (cape, mask, gloves) to the positive space (portrait) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Lois Mailou Jones Designs for Assigned Table

2. Moon Masque (1971) Lois Mailou Jones

3. Discussion Questions "Who wears masks? When and where do people wear masks? What other activities are happening when they wear masks? What is it like to wear a mask? What do you think about when you make a mask? Why do you wear masks? Do these masks look familiar? Do they look old? Are these masks scary? Can you guess what these masks are made of? Can you guess ow these masks were made? Do you know when these masks might have been worn? Does your opinion of the masks change? Did you connect masks to festivals or parades? How are masks connected to families and community traditions?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use cartoonist style (exaggerated gestures, simplified shapes, isolated graphics) to add details tot he positive space (portrait) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs

2. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the subject matter (masks, facial features, gloves) within the positive space (portrait) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs

3. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Lois Mailou Jones Designs for Assigned Tables 

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

Lesson Activities

1. Use metallic colors (silver, gold, bronze) to fill in the positive space (facial features, costume characteristics) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs

2. Use metallic colors (silver, gold, bronze) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs 

3. Use clear finish to cover the positive space (portrait) and the negative space (background) of the Lois Mailou Jones Designs

Artist Examples

Student Examples