MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Watercolor Inflatables

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Watercolor Inflatables using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Australian Artist (1988-Present) CJ Hendry
• Use technical skills (color theory, tool techniques, medium mastery, form management) and design principles (composition, gradation, repetition) based on Contemporary Art
•  Define Inflatables (a type of art made from large air-filled structures constructed from flexible materials (PVC, nylon, vinyl))

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Public Pool Las Vegas (2025) CJ Hendry 

2. Read The Lake Mess Monster by Beverly Komoda

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know inflatables have a long history dating back to the 18th century? Have you ever had lawn inflatables, bouncy houses, or party balloons at an event? Are you drawn to the dancing street inflatables near the stopping center or the massive blimp with a scrolling electronic sign flying over a stadium? What happens to our experience of large art filled objects encountered outddors when we place them in an art gallery and place with scale? What type of inflatable do you see in this picture? Where is the inflatable located? How does the audience interact or experience this artwork? Did you know Andy Warhol was the first artist to play with the concept of inflatable artwork with his art piece Silver Clouds? What effects can time have on a sculpture? Is it important to make public art durable to withstand time? What are some ways we are slowly destroying our earth? What are some things artists can do to help our environment? Did you know the Roman's first used boats made from animal skins before creating basic inflatables out of reed rafts or goat skinned boats?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use graphite pencil to draw the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (foreground, pool inflatable) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

3. Use graphic pencil to draw the decorative lines (waves, curved, straight, scalped) of the positive space (foreground, pool inflatable) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Watercolor Inflatables for Assigned Tables 

2. Pool Party Hong Kong (2025) CJ Hendry

3. Discussion Questions "How can we use curved lines to make the inflatable look like it is filled with air? Where should we add the highlights and shadows to make it look like wet plastic? If this design needed to be three-dimensional, how would the shape change from different sides? What is the funniest thing that could happen to someone riding your inflatable? If you could build a giant version of this for a real pool, who would be the first person you would invite? What was the trickiest part of drawing something that looks bouncy? How can we use white paint or crayons to show where the sun reflect off the smooth surface? Is your inflatable meant for a calm backyard pool or a giant waterpark with huge waves? What is the coolest part of your design that you think no one else thought of?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use watercolor to fill in the positive space (foreground, pool inflatables) with warm colors (red orange yellow) for the Watercolor Inflatables 

2. Use watercolor to fill in the negative space (background) with cool colors (purple blue green) for the Watercolor Inflatables 

3. Add details (patterns, waves, ripples) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Watercolor Inflatables for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water buckets, tempera paint, watercolor) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the positive space (foreground, pool inflatables) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

3. Add embellishments (glitter glue, tape, yarn) to details (water ripples, pool inflatables) of the Watercolor Inflatables 

Artist Examples

Student Examples