Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Sea Otter Watercolor Painting using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (diagonal lines, action lines, curved lines, flow lines, zigzag lines), value (lightness, darkness, tone, tint, shade), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by American Photographer (1946-Present) Thomas D. Mangelsen
- Use painting techniques (sponge, stamps, salt, splatter) and design principles (contrast, movement, repetition) based on American Art
- Define Movement (create the look or feeling of action by guiding the viewer's eyes through a composition)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Ocean Lullaby (2017) Thomas D. Mangelsen
2. Read Pup The Sea Otter by Jonathan London
3. Discussion Questions "How is water pollution harmful to sea otters? What are some objects that do not float in the water? Do you know that sea otters are called clowns of the sea? Do you like to swim in the water like a sea otter? Could you swim in the water wearing a thick coat? Where do these cute little sea otters spend most of their time? Did you know sea otters have webbed feet that allow them to swim quickly? Why do you think sea otters spend so much time in the water? Did you know sea otters are the smallest marine mammals on earth? How many hairs are a sea turtle compared to a human? Did you know that sea otters have the thickest fur of any animal? Why do sea otters hold hands while sleeping? How can you create a watery texture for the background using salt, sponges, painting, or horizontal brushstrokes?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use observational drawing techniques (composition, light source, reflective light) to draw the basic shapes (waves, seaweed, rocks) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
2. Add basic shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) to add details (stars, plants, fish, objects) to the positive space (foreground, sea otter) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
3. Add decorative details (border, glitter, embellishments) to the positive space (foreground, sea otter) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Tide Rider Sea Otter (2021) Thomas D. Mangelsen
3. Discussion Questions "What geometric shapes (circles for the head, oval for the chest, long oval for the torso) do you see in the otter's body? Why do you think the artist gave the otter small, dark eyes and tiny ears? How can we use lines to make the fur look thick and soft? How can we use types of lines to make the water look like it has movement? Is your otter floating on its back, diving, or holding something like a shell? Why do you think sea otters are often shown holding hands or wrapping themselves in kelp? How does your artwork show that the otter is a keystone speices that helps the ocean? Why do you think we are painting the otter on its back? How does its long, flat tail help it stay afloat like a boat? How many different shades of brown can you see in the otter's fur? How can we layer light and dark colors to make them look fluffy?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, primary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, sea otter) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, primary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
3. Add intricate embellishments to the decorative details (border, glitter, stars) of the positive space (foreground, sea otter) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, water bucket)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, sea otter) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
3. Add high contrast (shaded areas, reflective areas) to the positive space (foreground, sea otters) of the Sea Otter Watercolor Paintings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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