MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Japanese Kokeshi Dolls using drawing techniques in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by Multidisciplinary Artist (1962-Present) Margaret Kasahara
• Use decorative techniques (ornamental, motif design, folk art, calligraphy) and design principles (composition, repetition, variation) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Kokeshi Dolls (a traditional handmade Japanese wooden toy or ornament characterized by a cylindrical body and enlarged, round head with no arms or legs)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Women Of Influence (2012) Margaret Kasahara

2. Read Kokeshi Dolls And Japanese History by Cincinnati Asian Art Society

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know floral and linear patterns painted on the kimonos of Kokeshi Dolls have been passed down through generations of Kokeshi makers? Did you know each design is distinctive to the area where they are made? Did you know traditional Kokeshi are simple in design with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies? Did you know historical records indicate that Kokeshi dolls originated in the cold remote Tohoku region of Northern Japan during the late Edo Period? What is the difference between traditional dolls identified as "dento kokeshi" and contemporary dolls "sosaku kokeshi"? How did the artist use facial expressions, lines, and painted clothing to give a doll personality? Will you use. traditional colors or modern style for your doll design?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use basic shapes (circle, triangle, oval, rectangle, square) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

3. Add types of pattern (swirls, dots, waves, semi circles) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dress) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Japanese Kokeshi Dolls for Assigned Tables

2.  Someone Like You (2012) Margaret Kasahara

3. Discussion Questions "Do you notice how traditional Kokeshi Dolls are built with a round head and straight, cylindrical body? Did you know that Kokeshi Dolls started over 150 years ago in the Tohoku region of northern Japan? Who were the dolls originally designed for? Did you know in Japanese tradition, Kokeshi Dolls are given as symbols of good luck, friendship, or a wish for a child's healthy growth? What positive wish or message does your doll carry? Why do artists sign the bottom of the doll? What "artist signature" or symbol will you paint on the bottom of the doll? What do you think this doll is made out of? How do you think it feels to hold?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

2. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

3. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Japanese Kokeshi Dolls for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, permanent markers, scissors, glue sticks)

Lesson Activities

1.  Add highlights (reflective light, light source, highlights) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dolls) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines, to the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Maneki Neko Cats

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Maneki Neko Cats using drawing techniques learned in class 
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)< and color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) inspired by Japanese Printmaker (1798-1861) Utagawa Kuniyoshi 
• Use printmaking techniques (monotype, repetition, balance) and design principles (composition, repetition, balance) based on Edo Period
• Define Maneki Neko (called "lucky cat" or "beckoning cat" is Japan's most recognizable symbols of good fortune)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Scene of Bustling Prosperity (1852) Utagawa Hiroshige

2. Read "The Beckoning Cat: Based on Japanese Folklore" by Koko Nishizuka

3. Discussion Questions "What is a Maneki Neko? What is the golden thing that the Maneki Neko is holding? Did you know traditional white brings general good luck, black wards off evil, red promotes health, and gold ensures wealth? Did you know the Imado Shrine Tale is considered the orign story of the Maneki Neko's association with prosperity and good luck? Did you know the Maneki Neko figurines originated from the Japan's Edo and Meiji period to invite good fortune, customers, or wealth? Did you know eastern versions of the Maneki Neko have the cat beckoning with the palm facing down and the western versions have the cat with the palms up and fingers curled toward the viewer? Did you know the familiar figurine is first documented in nineteenth century market scenes? Why do the cat figurines at Gotokuji have empty paws? Where does the calico tradition come from?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use basic shapes (semi circle, triangle, square) to to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cats) of the Maneki Neko Cats

3. Add feline parts (claws, teeth, whiskers, nose) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Maneki Neko Cats for Assigned Tables

2. Cat To Keep Mice Away (Nezumiyoke No Neko) (1848) Utagawa Kuniyoshi

3. Discussion Questions "What type of cat did the artist portray? What do artists use as motivation? What do you like about this artwork? How would you describe this artwork to someone? What mood could be described in this artwork? Do you want your cat to raise its right paw to invite money and good luck, or its left paw to invite friends and customers? Do you want your cat to hold up both paws for double the luck and total protection? Would you rather use traditional calico patches or invent your own wild, colorful design? If your cat is holding a shiny coin, what big number or wish is printed on it? Is your cat holding a lucky fish, coin, magic hammer, or shiny bell? Where is the cat sitting, at the front door of a busy ramen shop, in a cozy bedroom, or a magical cloud?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

2. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

3. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Maneki Neko Cats for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Maneki Neko Cats

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats 

3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, zig zags) to the negative space (background) of the Maneki Neko Cats

Artist Examples

Student Examples

 Complementary Colored Poodles

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Complementary Colored Poodles using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use complementary colors (red, green; blue, orange; yellow, purple), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by Japanese Artist (1975-Present) Susumu Kamijo
• Use painting techniques (juxtaposition, underpainting, mixing) and design principles (contrast, proportion, variation) based on Asian Art
•  Define Complementary Colors (pair of colors that are directly opposite of each other on the color wheel)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Day Trippers (2019) Susumu Kamijo 

2. Read Oodles Of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book Of Colors by Stephanie Calmenson

3. Discussion Questions "Why do you think the artist drew that? What do you think is happening right now in the picture? How do you think the dogs in the picture feel? How did the artist make the poodle's hair look so fluffy and curly? Does the poodle remind you of a real one you have seen, or is it from your imagination? Where does your poodle live? Is it in a fancy house, a park, or somewhere else? How does your poodle feel in the painting? Can you show if the poodle is happy, excited, sleepy, or something else? What is your poodle's name, and how did you choose it? Why did the artist choose this specific medium (paint, pencil, collage) to depict the poodle? How does the material enhance the use of complementary colors? How do artists capture the dog's character or attitude? How did the artist capture the poodle's specific personality or mood in the painting? When painting a poodle, how to artists achieve form and dimension using value (lightness and darkness) instead of just using paint?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black brown grey white) to draw in the negative space (background, patterns) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

2. Use neutral colors (black brown grey white) to draw in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, poodles) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

3. Use neutral colors (black brown grey white) to draw the accessories (collar, bow, animal toys, bow tie) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, poodles) of the Complementary Colored Poodles

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Complementary Colored Poodles for Assigned Tables 

2. Glancing Back (2020) Susumu Kamijo

3. Discussion Questions "What do you notice about the dog in this artwork? How is it different from other dog breeds? What do you think this dog will do? What title would you give this piece and why? What words help you describe this artwork? What feelings or mood do you get when you look at it? If this artwork could make sounds, what would they be like? What are Susumu Kamijo's artistic influences? What elements of Japanese calligraphy influences Kamijo? Are there other artist who paint animals? How does the influence of Japanese printmaking manifest in his work compared to traditional Japanese prints? What similarities and differences do you notice in his use of color to evoke emotion or mood? How does Kamijo's balance between figuration and abstraction compare to artists from the Abstract Expressionist movement?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background, patterns) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, poodle) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the accessories (collar, bow, animal toy, bow tie) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

Day Three, Art Start 

1. Retrieve Complementary Colored Poodles for Assigned Tables 

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

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous colors, complementary colors, warm/cool colors) to paint the negative space (background, patterns) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

2. Use color combinations (analogous colors, complementary colors, warm/cool colors) to paint the positive space (foreground, middle ground, poodle) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

3. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to paint the positive space (foreground, middle ground, poodle) of the Complementary Colored Poodles 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

 Wrapped Pets In Christmas Lights

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Wrapped Pets In Christmas Lights using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, primary, secondary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and line types (continuous, outline, contour) inspired by Contemporary Japanese Artist (2010-Present) Itsuko Suzuki
• Use drawing styles (perspective, conceptual, cartoon) and design principles (composition, proportion, variation) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Meaning Making (the process of interpreting and giving meaning to events, situations, and the world around us)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Friend 012 (2011) Itsuko Suzuki

2. Read I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book by John Rox

3. Discussion Questions "Would you rather have a pet turtle or a pet frog? Who invented the first Christmas tree? Which animals do you think make the best pets? Have you had any pets as a child? What does having a pet help to teach children? Do you wonder why animals are thinking? Which pets should sleep outside at night? Which pets should stay inside at night? Are you allergic to any animals? Do you think people and their pets can communicate? What do you think when you see ad go wearing a sweater or a cat with purple hair? How important is your pet's food? Are you concerned about the quality of food your pet eats? What are some unusual or exotic pets that you have heard of? What do you think of people who rescue animals? Would you buy a pet from a pet store?"

Lesson Activities 

Day Two, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Day Three, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Artist Examples

Student Examples