Sasquatch Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Sasquatch Painting using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), shape variation (gometric, organic, free form) and value (lightness, darkness, tints, shades) inspired by Pacific Northwest Indigenous Tribes
- Use perspective techniques (atmospheric, linear, curvilinear, alternative) and design principles (proportion composition, gradation) based on Folklore Art
- Define Cryptids (an animal or creature claimed to exist through folklore, legend, or eyewitness accounts, but whose existence has never been proved or verified by mainstream science)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Untitled (2025) Ryan Henry Ward
2. Read Following Sasquatch by Molly Leach
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know many Pacific Northwest Tribes view the Sasquatch as a relative, neighbor, or protector? How does this change how we think about the forest if we view the creatures inside as our relatives? Did you know that Indigenous stories often show Sasquatches living in nature and taking only what is needed to survive? What lesson can we take from that about how we should treat the environment? In Anishinaabe traditions, the creature Sabe represents the sacred value of Honesty. why do you think a large, powerful forest being would be chosen to teach humans about being true to themselves? What are some stories your family uses to teach you how to stay safe? Why do you think television shows focus on hunting Bigfoot, while Indigenous stories focus on listening to or respecting them? How does learning that different tribes have different views of Sasquatch- some seeing a gentle giant, others a trister- show us that Native cultures are diverse?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper
2. Use line types (contour, outline, continuous) to draw positive space (Sasquatch, foreground, middle ground) of the Sasquatch Paintings
3. Outline line types (contour, outline, continuous) with neutral colors (black, grey, white, brown) for the positive space (foreground) of the Sasquatch Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sasquatch Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Inspiring Rascals (2026) Ryan Henry Ward
3. Discussion Questions "What does leave no trace mean? How does Sasquatch practice these principles in the story? How would you spend your day in the forest and how would you leave no trace behind? How can artists use line, shape, color, and texture to create an imaginary creature? How can an artist make a creature look like it belongs in its environment? How can artists use scale and composition to tell a story? How can we make something imaginary look believable? Do artists need to agree about what Bigfoot looks like because he is an imaginary or legendary creature? How can we let the viewer know something enormous has been walking through our forest? What clues would convince you that a creature was nearby? How can artists use scale and overlapping to create depth?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sasquatch Paintings
3. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey, brown) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sasquatch Paintings from Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sasquatch Paintings
3. Add details (hiking backpack, accessories, walking stick) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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