PAPER LANTERN PAINTINGS

Paper Lantern Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Paper Lantern Paintings using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) inspired by Chinese Lanterns (618 CE -907 CE) Tang Dynasty
• Use painting techniques (blending, dry brush, underpainting, alla prima) and design principles (composition, repetition, gradation) based on Asian Art
• Define Illumination (how is represented falling across an object or scene to create realistic textures, depth, and three-dimensional volume)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Octagonal Lantern, China (1662-1722) William T. Walters

2. Read Playing With Lanterns by Wang Yage

3. Discussion Questions "How do different cultures show compassion through symbolism? What are your favorite holiday decorations? Have you ever seen a Chinese Lantern? When are these lanterns used? What do these lanterns symbolize? How do children in China use these decorative lanterns? Did you know the Chinese Lantern Festival started 2000 years ago? Did you know traditionally lanterns were made from paper, silk, or animal hide wrapped around a wood or bamboo base? What type of special Hanzi or Chinese characters are decorated on this lanterns? What celebration will you use your Chinese lantern for? Can you think of other holidays where people hang up lights to celebrate? What New Year's traditions do you have? How do you decorate for holidays and celebrations? How does the releasing of lanterns represent peace, family unity, prosperity, and community strength during Tang Dynasty?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Watercolor Paper

2. Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to fill in the positive space (lights, lanterns, patterns) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the patterns (stripes, dots, swirls, waves) onto the positive space (foreground, lanterns) of the Paper Lanterns Paintings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Paper Lantern Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Lamqua, Design For A Hall Lamp (1800) The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

3. Discussion Questions "When is the Chinese New Year? What is the weather like during the festival? Where do people go? What do they do and what do they eat? Do you like to celebrate festivals? Why is the Chinese New Year important? What does the Chinese New Year symbolize? What happens on the Chinese New Year? Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated for fifteen days? What is the story behind the Chinese New Year? What is good luck on Chinese New Year? Why do the Chinese wear red? Can you point out the positive space and negative space? Can you make your eyes switch between the positive and negative shapes? How are the positive and negative shapes the same? How is the Chinese New Year similar or different than how we celebrate the New Year in America?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (foreground, lights, lanterns) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, shadows, cast shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

3. Add embellishments (glitter, metallic paint, jewels) to the positive space (foreground, lanterns, lights) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Paper Lantern Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water bucket, tempera paint, pencils, erasers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add patterns (dots, waves, stripes, swirls) to the negative space (background) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

2. Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow) to fill in the positive space (foreground, lights, lanterns) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

3. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Paper Lantern Paintings

Artist Examples

Student Examples