Treehouse Drawings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Treehouse Drawings using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and form (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by American Artist (1979-Present) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz
• Use perspective techniques (linear, one-point, two-point, three-point, atmospheric) and design principles (proportion, gradation, composition) based on American Art
• Define Architecture (the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Corner Store (2024) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz

2. Read Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

3. Discussion Questions "Are the houses below, in, or on top of the tree? How do you know? What shapes do you see in the structure of the houses? How do you access the houses? Is the tree sitting on a horizon line or inside of an area? What details do you notice in each of the houses? What windows do you notice in each of the houses? What is the secret purpose of the treehouse such as launching water balloons or high-tech makers space? What items would you throw up into the treehouse to keep them safe? Is your treehouse made of wood, giant sticks, crystal, or metal? Is the treehouse hidden by thick leaves, vibrant, or standing out as a statement piece? Is the treehouse drawing sitting on top of branches, wrapped around the truck like a spiral, or floating between multiple trees?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use observational drawing techniques (composition, direct light, value) to draw the basic parts (roof, windows, door, base) of the Treehouse Drawings 

2. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (windows, doorways, balcony) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

3. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (trees, dirt path, puddles) to the negative space (background) of the Treehouse Drawings 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Treehouse Drawings for Assigned Tables 

2. Lorax Camp (2020) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz

3. Discussion Questions "What are some things happening in this artwork? What kind of person would live in this treehouse? What is the treehouse made of (leaves, sticks, mushrooms, magical)? Are there any special doors, windows, or stairs to this house? Does this house have a special feature, like a baloney, a look out, or a secret room? What could be added to this picture with more time? What are some famous examples of biomorphic architecture? How does the shape of the home reflect the inhabitants? How does the treehouse blend in with its environment? What types of lines and shapes are present in your house? How are details like windows, doors, and roofs designed to be functional or imaginative? What was the most challenging part of designing and building your treehouse?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use types of patterns (stripes, swirls, meanders) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

2. Add high contrast (shaded areas, shadows, value) and light/medium contrast (background, light areas, middle ground) to the white space of the Treehouse Drawings 

3. Add embellishments (scrap paper, aluminum foil, paper bags)) to the positive space (foreground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Treehouse Drawings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (pencils, erasers, markers, rulers) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the negative space (background, landscape) of the Treehouse Drawings

3. Add additional types of patterns (stripes, swirls, meanders) to the negative space (background) of the Treehouse Drawings

Artist Examples

Student Examples