Thursday, October 29, 2026
LOVE BUG DESIGNS
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
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, August 31, 2026
Nighttime Owl Paintings
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
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
FLANDERS FIELDS POPPIES
Flanders Fields Poppies
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Flanders Fields Poppies using painting techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (complementary, analogous, primary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by French Humanitarian (1878-1961) Madame Anne Guerin
- Use landscape techniques (perspective, layering, spatial awareness) and design principles (proportion, composition, balance) based on Commemorative Activism
- Define Landscape (a genre that depicts natural scenery such as mountains, trees, rivers, and forests)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Poppy Field Near Argenteuil (1873) Claude Monet
2. Read The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael And Her Tribute To Veterans by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
3. Discussion Questions "How did Anna Guerin's idea for an Inter Allied Poppy Day differ from Moina Michael's initial Victory Emblem concept in the United States? In what ways did her plan create a charity model by paying French widows and orphans to manufacture artificial poppies? What strategies did Madame Guérin use to pitch the poppy flower to the veterans organizations of different nations? Why did her distribution of French-made poppies phrase out as Allied nations like the United States and Australia set up their own local veteran factories? What does her travel record reveal about her personal commitment to the Allied cause? How did her prewar work promote French culture in Great Britain help build the networks she later relied on for her humanitarian campaign? Why was Madame Guerin's name lost to history for a century compared to other wartime figures?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use ruler, compass, straightedge to draw the scenery (background, foreground, middle ground) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
2. Add details (buildings, animals, plants, landscape) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, flowers) and scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
3. Use oil pastels to outline the positive space (foreground) and scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Flanders Fields Poppies for Assigned Tables
2. Poppy Field (Giverny) (1890-1891) Claude Monet
3. Discussion Questions "How do modern grassroots research projects help to uncover identities of women lost to history? How does Madame Anne Guerin's personal legacy fit into Remembrance Day? How does the historical narrative of the remembrance poppy flower vary across different countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia? How do poppies represent world history, gratitude, and peace to various people? Did you know poppy flowers are France's official national symbol of remembrance for veterans? Did you know the blue cornflower, bleuet de France, is the flower for war victims? Did you know a French woman named Madame Anna Guerin helped turn red poppy flowers into a global symbol of remembrance? How did her experiences shape her career as an educator and public speaker? How did John McCrae's iconic poem In Flanders Fields inspire Madame Guerin to transition from handing out charity buttons to distributing artificial flower boutonnieres?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add patterns (swirls, clouds, stars) into the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, primary) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
3. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Flanders Fields Poppies for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (watercolor, paint brushes, water buckets, oil pastels)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
3. Add details (animals, buildings, flowers) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Flanders Fields Poppies
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
SYMMETRICAL LOBSTERS
Symmetrical Lobsters
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Symmetrical Lobsters 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 Artist (1979-Present) Philip Colbert
- Use balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, mosaic) and design principles (composition, movement, emphasis) based on Contemporary Pop
- Define Bilateral Symmetry (two sides are mirror images)
Day One, Art Start
1. Lobster Telephone (1938) Salvador Dali
2. Read "Lobsterman" by Dahlo Ipcar
3. Discussion Questions "If you fold your paper, do the two sides match? What do you think of the sculpture? What two objects can you see? When do you think the sculpture was made? Could this artwork be contemporary? What art movement do you think it might be associated with? What do you know about Salvador Dali and Edward James? Which art movement were the artists associated with? What do you know about Surrealism? Does finding our more about the sculpture change what you think about the artwork? Does it matter that Salvador Dali and Edward James did not make the sculpture? What is more important the idea or the object? Do you think the sculpture looks shocking? Do you think it would have been shocking to people in the 1930s? What sort of sculptures do you think people saw in art galleries in the 1930s? Are we more used to the idea of surrealism now than people might have been in the 1930s? Can you think of any contemporary artosk that might have shocked people when they were first exhibited?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use a pencil to draw shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) of the selected lobster (cold water clawed, rock lobsters, Canadian lobsters) for Symmetrical Lobsters
2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add characteristics (antennae, claws, tail) for the Symmetrical Lobsters
3. Use texture tools (stamps, felt pens, folks, rollers) to add patterns (stripes, dots, swirls) for the Symmetrical Lobsters
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Symmetrical Lobsters for Assigned Tables
2. Sunflowers In Seoul (2025) Philip Colbert
3. Discussion Questions "What objects can you see in each of the artworks? How have the artists chagned the objects? What is the effect? What do the sculptures make you think and feel? Are there any features of the animals that you could make use of in relation to the objects? How would you describe the shape of lobsters body? Are all lobsters shaped the same? How would you describe the color of the symmetrical lobsters? Do you see any patterns on the lobsters? What kind of music do you think a lobster would dance to on the ocean floor? How would it feel to walk with ten legs at once? Did you know lobsters have two different kinds of claws? Which one is the crusher and which one is the pincher? What other colors could your lobster be if not red in the ocean? How would you draw a lobster's armor shell to show that it is hard and bumpy?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, lobster) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
2. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
3. Add line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to the negative space (background) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Symmetrical Lobsters for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (gloss paint, paint brushes, water buckets)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, cast light) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, lobster) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
3. Add relief pieces (styrofoam pieces, cardboard, poster board) behind the positive space (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Symmetrical Lobsters
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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