Thursday, November 5, 2026
CLAY KINDERGARTEN RAINBOWS
Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Kindergarten Rainbows using ceramic techniques learned in class
- Use color order (red orange yellow green blue purple), form (two dimensional three dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by English Artist (1965-Present) Damien Hirst
- Use water marbling techniques (Ebru, Suminagashi, stone marbling, Renaissance) and design principles (repetition, harmony, proportion) based on Contemporary Art
- Define Rainbow (a multicolored arc in the sky that appears when sunlights shines through falling rain or mist)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Butterfly Rainbow, Blue (2020) Damien Hirst
2. Read My Color Is Rainbow by Agnes Hsu
3. Discussion Questions "Who likes the rain? Who has seen a rainbow? Can we name all the colors we used to make our beautiful rainbow starting at the top? If you had to pick one color from your rainbow to be the best color ever, which one would it be? What things in our classroom or at home are the same colors as the rainbow? What do you know about primary colors and what do you know about secondary colors? Do you think rainbows would be interesting if they were just one color? How can artists use color, pattern, and imagination to communicate feelings and positive messages? Why do you think rainbows always have colors in a particular order?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (foreground, rainbows) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbow) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (ovals, triangles, circles, squares) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbow) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
3. Use needle tools to draw basic shapes (ovals, triangles, circles, squares) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbow) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Kindergarten Rainbows for Assigned Tables
2. Rainbow, Small Laminated Giclee Print On Aluminum (2020) Damien Hirst
3. Discussion Questions "What do you think is the best clay tool? Do you think that if I were to drop this clay tool it would stay together? Can you create a three-dimensional rainbow out of clay using the techniques of scoring, slipping, cutting, and smoothing? Can you use specific colors to paint three-dimensional rainbows realistic or abstract? Can you add at least two unique details to the three-dimensional rainbows by using texture or shapes? Can you participate in a discussion of how artists use clay? What shapes do you see in this rainbow sculpture? If you could touch this, what would it feel like? Why do you think this artist chose to make art out of something we can see in nature?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add basic shapes (triangles, ovals, circles, rectangles) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
2. Add details (swirls, clouds, sun, stars, moon, wind) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbow) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
3. Use modeling tools (paddle, brush, grip) to smooth out the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbow) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Kindergarten Rainbows for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (rolling pins, rubber mats, modeling tools, air dry clay)
Lesson Activities
1. Add color combinations (warm/cool colors, analogous colors, complementary colors) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbows) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
2. Add color combinations (warm/cool colors, analogous colors, complementary colors) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
3. Apply Gloss to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, rainbows) of the Clay Kindergarten Rainbows
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Thursday, October 22, 2026
JAPANESE KOKESHI DOLLS
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
Thursday, September 24, 2026
KINDERGARTEN KITTENS
Kindergarten Kittens
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Kindergarten Kitten using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by British Illustrator (2009-Present) Angie Rozelaar
- Use pattern (geometric, floral, plaid, check, motifs) and design principles (repetition, movement, contrast) based on Illustration
- Define Pattern (a deliberate design created by repeating lines, shapes, forms, colors, or textures in a predictable and recognizable sequence)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Cozy Kitty (2024) Angie Rozelaar
2. Read The Winter Cat by Howard Knotts
3. Discussion Questions "How can we use line and shapes to create a cat that looks expressive? How can an artist make a scarf look warm, soft, or cozy? How can we show texture in our artwork without touching the object? How can the colors we choose help communicate that our artwork takes place in winter? How can artists use imagination to tell a story through a single character? How could we contrast the cat's textured fur against the scarf's fabric? Is it a chunky, thick cable-knit scarf, a smooth plaid flannel, or a lightweight patterned fabric? Is the cat indoors by a fireplace, outdoors in a snowy winter landscape , or set against a simple, minimalist solid color?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, reindeer antlers, hats) in the positive space (foreground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Kindergarten Kittens for Assigned Tables
2. Cozy Cat Happiness (2025) Angie Rozelaar
3. Discussion Questions "How can artists use patterns to decorate ordinary objects? How can overlapping create the illusion of space? How can artists use color and texture to communicate a season? How can simple shapes be transformed into creative artwork? How can artists show that something is soft or hard? What types of patterns do you notice on winter clothing? Can you use colors that make your scarves look warm even when it is cold? How can artists use patterns to make winter clothing unique? How do illustrations use color, pattern, and texture to help tell a winter story? How can we use ideas from a book to create our own original artwork? How can artists show what is happening in a story through one picture?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, hat) in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kitten) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Kindergarten Kittens for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets, pencils)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to paint in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Monday, September 7, 2026
SUNFLOWER SUNSETS
Sunflower Sunsets
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Sunflower Sunsets using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (warm colors, earth tones, analogous colors), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and shape variation (geometric organic, free form) inspired by Post Impressionist Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
- Understand painting techniques (overlapping, cropping, layering) and design principles (composition, movement, repetition) based on Post Impressionism
- Define Brushstrokes (the mark, trace, or configuration left on a surface by a single application of a paintbrush)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Sunflowers (1889) Vincent Van Gogh
2. Read Camille and the Sunflowers: A Story About Vincent Van Gogh by Laurence Anholt
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Vincent Van Gogh created seven distinct versions of sunflowers within his series of sunflower paintings? Did you know Van Gogh saw sunflowers as a metaphor for the cycle of life? Did you know his bold use of yellow became a hallmark of his style? Did you know sunflowers are the national flower and an important symbol in Ukraine? Did you know Van Gogh saw sunflowers as a symbol of gratitude and decorated his friend Paul Gaughin's guest room with them? What do you notice about the way the paint has been applied to the painting? How does scientific information inform art? Did you know his sunflower paintings are dispalyed in museums all around the world from Tokyo to Amsterdam? Did you know one of his sunflowers painting was lost during World War II? How do artists use perspective, along with different shapes and colors, to add dimension to paintings? What kinds of lines did Van Gogh use to paint those sunflowers? What do you think Van Gogh used concentric circles to paint them? How can you infuse your own thoughts, emotions, and memories into your paintings?"
Lesson Activities
1. Divide the painting paper into three parts (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Sunflower Sunsets
2. Use observational drawing techniques (contour, gesture, outline) to add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to Sunflower Sunsets
3. Add directional lines (diagonal, vertical, horizontal) to remember the highlights (light source, reflective light, cast light) of the Sunflower Sunsets
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sunflower Sunsets for Assigned Tables
2. Still Life Vase With Fourteen Sunflowers (1889) Vincent Van Gogh
3. Discussion Question "Who was Vincent Van Gogh? Did you know who he really was? Would you like a painting of sunflowers in your room? Why did Vincent Van Gogh become so famous? What did Vincent Van Gogh like to paint? How can we paint the sky like Vincent Van Gogh? Where do you think Van Gogh was when he painted this picture? What colors did Van Gogh use in this painting? What kind of place do you think this was? How can we create the same feeling of movement in the sky to tell our own story? Where did Van Gogh get his inspiration? Do you think Van Gogh was inspired by the harvest work? What is happening in this picture?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use warm colors (red yellow orange) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets
2. Use warm colors (red yellow orange) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sunflower Sunsets
3. Use different mark making techniques (dashes, scratches, loose lines) to add designs to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Sunflower Sunsets for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paint brushes, oil pastels, erasers)
Lesson Activities
1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, sunflowers) of the Sunflower Sunsets
2. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, cast light) and shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, shadow) to the Sunflower Sunsets
3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, waves) to the negative space (background) of the Sunflower Sunsets
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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