Wednesday, August 26, 2026
VAN GOGH CHAIR PAINTINGS
Van Gogh Chair Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Van Gogh Chair Painting using painting techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (complementary, analogous, monochromatic), line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and value (lightness, darkness, tints, shadows) inspired by Post Impressionist Painter (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
- Use drawing techniques (observational, perspective, blocking shapes) and design principles (proportion, composition, variation) based on Post Impressionism
- Define Impasto (a technique where paid is laid on a canvas so thickly that it stands out in three dimensions, leaving brush or palette knife strokes clearly visible)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Van Gogh's Chair (1888) Vincent Van Gogh
2. Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain by Betty Edwards
3. Discussion Questions "What was Van Gogh's relationship with fellow artist Gauguin like? How did Van Gogh represent his thoughts about himself and his friends in his chair paintings? How does Van Gogh use everyday objects as a form of a self-portraiture? How do artists tell stories about life and personality? When looking at the arms, legs, seats, and backs of the chair, what do you think this chair is made of? Can you identify the materials used to make this chair? Did you know Vincent Van Gogh lived in various places such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, and France? How does this unusual scene show Vincent Van Gogh's personality, love of nature, and home comfort? How is this painting a statement of friendship between two artists? How do the vertical lines and diagonal lines show movement in this artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the basic shapes (oval, circle, triangle) for the positive space (chair, foreground) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
2. Use oil pastels to add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
3. Use oil pastels to add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Van Gogh Chair for Assigned Tables
2. Gauguin's Chair (1888) Vincent Van Gogh
3. Discussion Questions "What is negative space? How might focusing on it be used as a strategy for observational drawing? Is the space in this painting positive or negative? What is a negative space drawing? How is drawing negative space related to drawing contour lines? Is the background of the picture positive or negative? What is the main object of this positive and negative space artwork? Does anyone want to share where the positive and negative space is in this image? Where is the positive space in both paintings? Where is the negative space in both paintings? What does it captivate, in terms of emotions, to the audience of negative space? What are three basic elements of composition needed in drawing? What is the different between negative and positive space? Which do you think is more important negative space or positive space?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
3. Use drawing techniques (blending, layering, overlapping) to add contrast to the composition of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Van Gogh Chair Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, paint paste)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
2. Add shadow (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
3. Add overlapping shapes (circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, chair) of the Van Gogh Chair Paintings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
DIZZY VASE DRAWINGS
Dizzy Vase Drawings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Dizzy Vase Drawings using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by Italian Artist (1890-1964) Giorgio Morandi
- Use drawing techniques (outline, contour, shading, cross hatching, mapping) and design principles (proportion, gradation, composition) based on Magic Realism
- Define Cast Drawing (the traditional academic practice of drawing a three-dimensional sculpture or plaster cast from real-life observation)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Still Life With Vase On Table (1931) Giorgio Mordani
2. Read The Charles Barque Drawing Course: Illustrations by Charles Barque
3. Discussion Questions "How are three fundamental drawing skills: proportion, symmetry, and tone used in this artwork? How does drawing basic forms such as spheres, cubes, and cylinders improve our drawing skills? Did you know the original version of Bargue's Drawing Course consisted of 197 loose leaf plates published in 1868? Did you know this drawing manual became one of the most successful for training young artists and designers? What organic shape and line variation do you see in this master copy? Did you know the most famous art school in the world was Ecole des Beaus-Arts in Paris, France? Is your drawing the exact same scale as a reference? Did you know before artists were allowed to paint giant castles or mighty hereos many had to pass as secret test of drawing a vase?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Trace three pottery shapes (cylinder, bouquet, bud, trumpet, pitcher) onto drawing paper for the Dizzy Vase Drawings
3. Outline three pottery shapes (cylinder, bouquet, bud, trumpet, pitcher) with black sharpie marker for the Dizzy Vase Drawings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Dizzy Vase Drawings for Assigned Tables
2. Still Life (1946) Giorgio Mordani
3. Discussion Questions "Can you name the solid shapes in this picture? How do forms change based on your viewpoint? What do contour lines look like on various forms? How does lighting affect values on forms? How is this picture different from real life? What interests you most about this work of art? Which object seems closer to you? What can you tell me about the colors of this drawing? How do you think the artist made this work? What questions would you ask the artist about this artwork if he were here? What do we know about these vase paintings? How does contrast work to establish three-dimensional form? How do we use perspective to create a cube? How would you describe the lines in this picture? How would you describe this painting to a person who could not see it?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use earth tones (black, brown, red, yellow, orange) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
2. Use earth tones (black, brown, red, yellow, orange) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
3. Add decorations (meanders, flowers, spirals) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Dizzy Vase Drawings For Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (markers, colored pencils, chalk, oil pastels)
Lesson Activities
1. Add designs (animals, plants, people, flowers, triangles, spirals) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
2. Add designs (animals, plants, people, flowers, triangles, spirals) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
3. Add pottery parts (lip, neck, shoulder, body, foot) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground) of the Dizzy Vase Drawings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
WATERCOLOR INFLATABLES
Watercolor Inflatables
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Watercolor Inflatables using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Australian Artist (1988-Present) CJ Hendry
- Use technical skills (color theory, tool techniques, medium mastery, form management) and design principles (composition, gradation, repetition) based on Contemporary Art
- Define Inflatables (a type of art made from large air-filled structures constructed from flexible materials (PVC, nylon, vinyl))
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Public Pool Las Vegas (2025) CJ Hendry
2. Read The Lake Mess Monster by Beverly Komoda
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know inflatables have a long history dating back to the 18th century? Have you ever had lawn inflatables, bouncy houses, or party balloons at an event? Are you drawn to the dancing street inflatables near the stopping center or the massive blimp with a scrolling electronic sign flying over a stadium? What happens to our experience of large art filled objects encountered outddors when we place them in an art gallery and place with scale? What type of inflatable do you see in this picture? Where is the inflatable located? How does the audience interact or experience this artwork? Did you know Andy Warhol was the first artist to play with the concept of inflatable artwork with his art piece Silver Clouds? What effects can time have on a sculpture? Is it important to make public art durable to withstand time? What are some ways we are slowly destroying our earth? What are some things artists can do to help our environment? Did you know the Roman's first used boats made from animal skins before creating basic inflatables out of reed rafts or goat skinned boats?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use graphite pencil to draw the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (foreground, pool inflatable) of the Watercolor Inflatables
3. Use graphic pencil to draw the decorative lines (waves, curved, straight, scalped) of the positive space (foreground, pool inflatable) of the Watercolor Inflatables
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Watercolor Inflatables for Assigned Tables
2. Pool Party Hong Kong (2025) CJ Hendry
3. Discussion Questions "How can we use curved lines to make the inflatable look like it is filled with air? Where should we add the highlights and shadows to make it look like wet plastic? If this design needed to be three-dimensional, how would the shape change from different sides? What is the funniest thing that could happen to someone riding your inflatable? If you could build a giant version of this for a real pool, who would be the first person you would invite? What was the trickiest part of drawing something that looks bouncy? How can we use white paint or crayons to show where the sun reflect off the smooth surface? Is your inflatable meant for a calm backyard pool or a giant waterpark with huge waves? What is the coolest part of your design that you think no one else thought of?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use watercolor to fill in the positive space (foreground, pool inflatables) with warm colors (red orange yellow) for the Watercolor Inflatables
2. Use watercolor to fill in the negative space (background) with cool colors (purple blue green) for the Watercolor Inflatables
3. Add details (patterns, waves, ripples) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Watercolor Inflatables
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Watercolor Inflatables for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water buckets, tempera paint, watercolor)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the positive space (foreground, pool inflatables) of the Watercolor Inflatables
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Watercolor Inflatables
3. Add embellishments (glitter glue, tape, yarn) to details (water ripples, pool inflatables) of the Watercolor Inflatables
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
OVER UNDER FROGS PAINTINGS
Over Under Frogs Paintings
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Over Under Frogs Paintings using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by American Artist (2005-Present) Samuel Popovich
- Use painting techniques (impasto, alla prima, glazing, dry brush) and design principles (composition, movement, variation) based on American Art
- Define Anthropomorphic (a description of human form, personality, or attributes to non-human entities)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Frog Ross (2024) Samuel Popovich
2. Read Tuesday by David Wiesner
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know some frogs can jump up to 20 times their body length? What else could be in the pond with the frog? How can we draw inspiration from the artist's life and art to explore the frog life cycles? How can we draw inspiration from the artist's life and art to understand the frog's role as an indicator species? How do these artworks make you feel? What do you think motivated the artist to create immersive art? What do you think the artist's artwork expresses about his own feelings? Do learners think this is an indicator that the frog did not feel healthy, safe, or creative in the previous environment? What kind of environment do learners require to feel heathy, safe, and creative? What elements of their environment can help them to thrive? What elements in their environment hinder their wellness? How do we affect our environment with art? How is our art an indicator of our environmental health?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the scenery (background, foreground, middle ground) of the Over Under Frog Paintings
2. Add details (leaves, flowers, trees, plants) with the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frog Paintings
3. Use colored sharpies to outline the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frog Paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Over Under Frog Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Honest Work (2025) Samuel Popovich
3. Discussion Questions "What do you think will happen to the frogs next Tuesday night? What would you do if you were one of the frogs flying on a lily pad? How can you tell what time of day it is in this picture? Why are the police officers so confused when they find the lily pads? What do you notice on the front cover? Why do you think the dog is looking up? Why do you think the author choose a day of the week for the title? What would you do if you saw frogs flying outside your window? Why are the townspeople puzzled about finding lily pads everywhere? What clues did the frogs leave behind? Why do you think David Wiesner decided not to use words? How would the story change if there were words on every page?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add patterns (swirls, clouds, stars) into the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frogs Paintings
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, intermediate) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frogs Paintings
3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, intermediate) to fill in the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frog Paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Over Under Frogs Paintings for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water bucket, glue sticks, scissors)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, reflection) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frogs Paintings
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Frog Paintings
3. Add details (animals, plants, accessories) within the scenery (foreground, middle ground, background) of the Over Under Sheep Paintings
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Saturday, February 21, 2026
CATCHING BUTTERFLIES COLLAGES
Catching Butterflies Collages
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Catching Butterflies Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic free form), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by German Illustrator (1647-1717) Maria Sibylla Merian
- Use collage techniques (juxtaposition, layering, composition, adhesive) and design principles (variation emphasis movement) based on Scientific Illustrations
- Define Illustration (a visual representation (drawing, painting, photograph, digital image) created to explain, interpret, decorate, or enhance text, concept, or process)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Merian's Branch Of West Indian Cherry With Achilles Morpho Butterfly (1702-1703) Maria Sibylla Merian
2. Read Butterfly Park by Elly MacKay
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Merian traveled to Suriman with her daughter at the age of 52 to study tropical flora and fauna? Did you know she was the first artist to embark on a field excursion when these did not exist in science yet? Did you know her step father was the renowned still life painter Jacob Marrel? Do you think art, science, natural observation, and artistic intention work well together? Are there any aspects of her life and work that you find particularly remarkable? Did you know Merian was alive during the Dutch Golden Age? How do you think she was a successful artist despite many restrictions on women at the time? Did you know Merian funded her own artwork by selling her drawings, engravings, and books? Did you know Merian invented the field of ecology we know today? What advice do you think Merian would give young women considering science as a career path today?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose a butterfly reference photograph for the positive space (foreground, butterfly) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in positive space (foreground, butterfly) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Catching Butterflies Collages for Assigned Table
2. Butterfly Peacock Mirror On Forage Plant (1705) Maria Sibylla Merian
3. Discussion Questions "What medium do you think the illustrator used? Why do you think that they choose these colors? Is there a reason yellow is shown only on a couple of pages? Why do the colors change on this page when the main character is sad? Are all the lines in this book pointing in only one direction? Why are the lines pointing in one direction? How many patterns are on this single page? How can we care for our caterpillars and butterflies? Can you show me the flight path the butterfly took before it reached the net? Do you see any patterns or designs on the wings that might help the butterfly hide? What kind of background should we add to show where this butterfly lives- a garden, a river, or a mountain? What can you tell me about the person with the net- are they running fast or sneaking quietly? If your butterfly escaped the net, where is the first place it would fly too? How can we make both sides match like a mirror? Where does your butterfly go when it rains? Should we catch this butterfly to study in a journal or is it going to a special butterfly garden?"
Lesson Activities
1. Draw an outline of the selected butterfly reference for the positive space (foreground, butterflies) onto the watercolor paper
2. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add shadows (reflective light, cast shadow) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Catching Butterflies Collages for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, watercolor, paint brushes)
Lesson Activities
1. Use graphite techniques (carving, scratching, engraving) with a stylus to finish adding details (clouds, leaves, net) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
2. Add value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to the positive space (foreground, butterflies) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Add details (clouds, leaves, nets) using illustrative techniques (hatching, stippling, cross hatching) to the final Catching Butterflies Collages
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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