WOODY CRUMBO DANCING DEER

 Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), color combinations (analogous, primary, metallic), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Native American Artist (1912-1989) Woody Crumbo
• Use movement (physical, implied, rhythm) and design principles (composition, proportion, arrangement) based on American Art
• Define Kiowa Style (a flat figurative style characterized by solid color fields, minimal backgrounds, flat perspective, and emphasis on dancing)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Three Leaping Blue Deer and Three Blue Birds (1912) Woody Crumbo

2. Read Woody Crumbo by Robert S. Cross

3. Discussion Questions "How does his artwork record the customs, traditions, and legends of American culture? Did you know this incredible artist was a humanitarian, flute player, and ceremonial dancer? Do you believe his dream came true of bringing Native American art forms to mainstream culture? How does the artist capture movement of these animals with lines and patterns? Did you know he was an orphann who worked hard to become an artist? Did you know he has the largest collection of artwork in Oklahoma and was added into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for his kind personality? Do you believe he found a way to honor, promote, and preserve history with his paintings? Did you know Woody Crumbo was an art teacher who wanted to bring recognition to Native American art?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the positive space (animal, foreground, deer) of the dancing deer 

3. Outline line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) with cool colors (blue, green, purple) of the Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer for Assigned Tables

2. Winter Scene (1935) Woody Crumbo

3. Discussion Questions "How does the artist show a deer in this painting? Can you think of other ways to make a picture of a deer? What colors do you think the artist would have used if this was made from a different material? Can you find other animals in this artwork? How do deer impact the environment? What events were happening in the world at the time when this piece was created? How is the location of this piece significant? What is the subject matter? What is the artist known for? What animal represents your personality? What things do you like about yourself? When you think of a deer, what characteristics would describe the animal? How do animals look different when we draw them whimsically rather than realistically? How does adding bright colors make the artwork feel to you? Do bright colors give the composition movement?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground, animal, deer) of the dancing deer

2. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to fill in the negative space (background, plants, wildlife) of the dancing deer

3. Use metallic colors (bronze, gold, silver) to add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots) to the positive space (foreground) and negative space (background) of the Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (black construction paper, oil pastels, metallic paint) 

Lesson Activities

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

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

3. Add details (plants, floral motifs, patterns) to the positive space (foreground) and negative space (background) of the Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer 

Artist Examples

Student Examples