Love Bug Designs

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Love Bugs using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (warm/cool colors, analogous colors, monochromatic colors), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by Contemporary Artist (1993-Present) Alake Shilling
• Use mixed media techniques (collage, assemblage, layering, stamping, texturizing) and design principles (composition, variation, proportion) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Symmetry (a style of balance where two halves or sides of an artwork match each other like a mirror reflection)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Tender Lady Bug Holding A Heart As Big As Its Sneakers (2023) Alake Shilling

2. Read The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

3. Discussion Questions "How can artists use their imagination to change the appearance of an insect? Why do artists make different choices when creating artwork about the same subject? How can we create a love bug that represents a positive message? How can we use color to express love, happiness, and friendship? How do artists use shapes, colors, and patterns to create an imaginary love bug? How can artists use patterns and symmetry to create interesting designs? How can lines, shapes, and colors communicate feelings? What is the name of your love bug? What are your love bugs favorite thing to do? What special power does your love bug have to spread kindness and love? Who is someone special in your life that this love bug reminds you of? How do our design choices help tell about what our bug is like?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping) to fill in the positive space (foreground, composition, bug) of the Love Bug Designs

2. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping) to add the parts (wings, pinchers, legs, designs) of the Love Bug Designs

3. Add design details (eyes, patterns, wings, legs) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, composition, bug) of the Love Bug Designs 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Love Bug Designs for Assigned Tables 

2. Totally Fungi (2024) Alake Shilling

3. Discussion Questions "Why do you think insects are so colorful? Which insect is bigger, the male or the female? What are some differences between insects? Why are insects symmetrical? What is the important part in this drawing? Why types of shapes can you use to break up your drawing? Which wing looks transparent like you are look through the wing of the insect? What is the difference between bugs and insects? How long do bugs, spiders, and insects live? How many kinds of bugs are there? Why do bugs have the skeleton on the outside? Do you think bugs and insects are interesting? Are there any bugs or insects you are afraid of? Do you know any interesting facts about bugs and insects? What is the strangest bug or insect you have seen? What kind of bugs and insects are dangerous? Why are bugs and insects so small? Have you ever seen a ladybug?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use value (highlights, reflective light, cast light) to add contrast to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, bug) of the Love Bug Designs 

2. Use value (cast shadow, shadow, reflective shadow) to add contrast to the negative space (background) of the Love Bug Designs 

3. Use texture (actual, visual, implied) to add details (wings, pinchers, legs) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, bug) of the Love Bug Designs

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Love Bug Designs for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paintbrushes, pencils, erasers) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (warm/cool colors, analogous colors, monochromatic colors) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, bugs) of the Love Bug Designs

2. Use color combinations (warm/cool colors, analogous colors, monochromatic colors) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Love Bug Designs 

3. Use metallic colors (gold silver bronze) to outline the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (foreground, middle ground, bug) of the Love Bug Designs 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

Nighttime Owl Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Nighttime Owl Paintings use drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, visual implied) inspired by Inuit Artist (1991-Present) Ooloosie Saila
• Use painting techniques (impasto, glazing, dry brush, alla prima) and design principles (composition, balance, variation) based on Indigenous Art
•  Define Inuit Art (the creative work made by the Inuit, the indigenous people of the Arctic regions in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Festival Owl (2026) Oolosie Saila

2. Read Owl Babies by Marin Waddell 

3. Discussion Questions "Is the owl sleeping, peeking out, or waking up? What does the weather feel like outside of the tree? What will happen when an animal's habitat changes with the seasons? What visual textures can make the feathers look soft and the bark look rough? How do the choices of an artist give an animal a specific personality? What can the tilt of the head or the size of the eyes tell us about an owl's mood? How does light create shadows that make a flat owl look three dimensional? What roles do daytime and nighttime play in the colors an artist chooses? How do artists and authors show big feelings like worry or relief in a character? How are owls a symbol of thoughtful perspective, wisdom, and quick wit? Have you ever seen any owl? What do you like about owls? What would you do if you had your own owl?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the foreground (bird), middle ground (feathers), and background (tree branches) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add layers to subject matter (foreground, middle ground, bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nighttime Owl Paintings for Assigned Tables 

2. Ornamental Owl (2017) Ooloosie Saila 

3. Discussion Questions "What factors influenced the artist as a child that impacted her career? What are some characteristics from this artwork that sets it apart from other artists work? What is the symbolism found within this artwork? What are some indicators that prove this artist is important? What are some different types of art produced at different stages in her life? What makes you think this artist is a great artist? How did the artist become interested in birds? Does her artwork change your view of the world? How did the artist fill the composition? Did the artist take time and effort to make the color vibrant? What is the reason that some birds are colorful?"      

Lesson Activities

1. Add thin layers of pastels to the foreground (bird), middle ground (feathers), and background (tree) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

2. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add details (beak, eyes, eyelashes) to the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add texture (actual, visual, implied) to the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nighttime Owl Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, oil pastels, brown construction paper, sharpie markers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the positive space (bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use tint (white) and shade (black) to add the illusion of depth within the positive space (bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

Monochromatic Statues

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Monochromatic Statue using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use monochromatic colors (black grey white), line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), and shape variation (geometric organic free form) inspired by Australian Artist (1967-Present) Matthew Quick
• Use core observational skills (proportion, mapping, angle accuracy, edge control) and design principles (composition balance proportion) based on 19th Century French academic tradition
• Define Annotate (adding written notes, explanations, or critical comments directly next to or onto visual pieces)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Messenger (2015) Matthew Quick 

2. Read Charles Bargue Drawing Course by Charles Bargue

3. Discussion Questions "Can you explain your creative process? What media have you used? What is successful in your artwork? What art elements and principles did you use in your artwork? What could be improved in your artwork? What art elements and principles could you add to your artwork? How does value create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a flat surface? What do you think the culture valued, by looking at those examples? How do artists show the focus of the human body, athletics, and emphasis of individuality? Did you know most of the Greek works are Roman copies after the original were lost? Did you know Greek art was the first time in Western art that artists choose to sign his or her work? Who owns the past? What would happen to an overall drawing if the initial placement of the major angles if off by a small fraction? How does stepping back from an easel change the perspective on the proportions? How many distinct values (lights, mid tones, core shadows) do you see in this specific artwork? Is your drawing taller, shorter, or the same size as the picture you are copying?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use geometric shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, face structure) of the Monochromatic Statues 

2. Use geometric shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles) to draw the negative space (background) of the Monochromatic Statues 

3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, face structure) of the Monochromatic Statues 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Monochromatic Statues for Assigned Tables

2. Remedial Measures (2013) Matthew Quick

3. Discussion Questions "Where is the main light source hitting the marble or bronze? Where is the primary light source coming from, and how does the edge of the core shadow define the muscular structure? Are the lines in this statue appearing parallel or are these lines tilting in opposite directions to create contrapposto? What is the negative space created between the shoulders, torso, and the arms? How does drawing the negative shape help an artist get correct proportions? How does the texture of marble or bronze alter the way light slides across the skin compared to how it falls on drapery or hair? If this statue is a Roman marble copy of a lost Greek bronze original, what structural supports (tree trunks fig leaves) did the marble sculptor have to add to keep the heavy stone from snapping? Does this figure appear to be an idealized god, a celebrated athlete, or an ordinary human being? What visual cues tell you its status? How does the scale of the statue alter your emotional response when standing in front of it compared to looking at it on a flat screen?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add details (shadows, highlights, texture) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, facial structures) of the Monochromatic Statues 

2. Use oil pastels to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, facial structures) with neutral colors (black, grey, white) for the Monochromatic Statues 

3. Use oil pastels to fill in the negative space (background) with neutral colors (black, grey, white) for the Monochromatic Statues 

Day Three, Art Start 

1. Retrieve Monochromatic Statues for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, charcoal, erasers, pencils, chalk, drawing paper) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add tints (add white, reflective light, light source) to subject matter (foreground, middle ground, facial structures) of the Monochromatic Statues 

2. Add shadows (add black, cast shadows, shadow) to the background (negative space) of the Monochromatic Statues 

3. Use drawing tools (pencils, oil pastels, charcoal, chalk) to add details (shadows, highlights, texture) to the Monochromatic Statues 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

 

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