Tuesday, October 7, 2025
MUMMY EYES
Mummy Eyes
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Mummy Eyes using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (neutral, analogous, complementary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by mummification of Ancient Egypt
- Use collage techniques (assemblage, layering, decoupage) and design principles (composition, contrast, proportion) based on Old Kingdom Period
- Define Mummification (preserving a person, and in some instances, animals for the afterlife)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Coffin Of Padi-Heru (200 BCE to 100 BCE) Ptolemaic Period
2. Read Mummies, Pyramids, Pharaohs: A Book About Ancient Egypt by Gail Gibbons
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Egyptians perfected the art of mummification 5000 years ago? What is a mummy? What can we learn from mummies? Can you describe any symbols, hidden cues, or secret messages in this artwork? Do you see the mummy's name written on the wrappings? Does that help us know who the mummy was? What kinds of special objects or treasures did the Egyptians place inside the tomb with a mummy? How is the art of the mummy (like the artwork on the sarcophagus) connected to ancient Egyptian's beliefs about life after death? Why do you think ancient Egyptians drew gods, goddesses, and special symbols on the mummy's coffin? Can you find any small, magical charms, called amulets? What do you think these amulets were for? What would you want to put in the tomb you are building for this mummy?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use pencil to draw shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) of the eye parts (iris, pupil, eyelids, tear duck) of the Mummy Eyes
3. use pencil to draw shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) of the face parts (teeth, nose, eye brows) of the Mummy Eyes
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Mummy Eyes for Assigned Tables
2. Mask Of Tutankhamun (1336 BCE - 1327 BCE) Howard Carter
3. Discussion Questions "What makes these artworks fit into Ancient Art? What are some similarities and difference between the artwork of this mummy and other artwork in history? If you could ask the person inside the mummy one question, what would you ask? What are some symmetrical designs you notice in this artwork? What would be your mummy's favorite Halloween candy? What superpower would your mummy have? What costume would your mummy wear on Halloween? What colored are the bandages of the mummy if they could be any color? What color are the mummy's eyes in this artwork? What patterns or designs could you add to the mummy's bandages? What kind of place would your mummy live in? Is your mummy a friendly mummy or a spooky mummy?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, neutral) to fill in the positive space (mummy eyes, mummy face) of the Mummy Eyes
2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, neutral) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Mummy Eyes
3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the positive space (mummy eyes, mummy face) of the Mummy Eyes
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Mummy Eyes for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, black construction paper)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (mummy face, mummy eyes) of the Mummy Eyes
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Mummy Eyes
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, white, brown) to fill in the positive space (mummy face, mummy cloth) of the Mummy Eyes
Artist Examples
Student Examples 
Friday, October 3, 2025
ENCHANTED ROSES
Enchanted Roses
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Enchanted Roses using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (metallic, cool colors, warm colors, neutral colors), value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows), and space (positive, negative) inspired by French Author (1685-1755) Garbrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
- Use painting techniques (splatter, mixing, pouring, wash) and design principles (contrast, movement, emphasis) based on Children's Literature: Beauty and the Beast
- Define Focal Point (the main subject matter that draws the viewer's eyes)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Meditative Rose (1958) Salvador Dali
2. Read Beauty and the Beast by Garbrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know the concept of magical roses are ancient coming from fossil records showing these plants existed 30 million years ago? What does the red rose symbolize (passion, love, sacrifice) here? What does the thorn (pain of love, loss, grief) represent? What is the magical curse linked to this rose? What happens as the petals fall? What is the central theme of the story, and how does the enchanted rose symbolize that message? What the examples of enchanted or magical roses acan you remember from movies, video games, or artwork? What does this enchanted or magical rose symbolize? What magical powers or properties does it have? How does the appearance (color, petals) reflect its meaning? What story or message does it tell?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to draw the positive space (glass container, enchanted rose, foreground) of the Enchanted Roses
3. Use color combinations (metallic, cool colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (glass container, enchanted rose, foreground) of the Enchanted Roses
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Enchanted Roses for Assigned Tables
2. Mystic Rose (1959) Salvador Dali
3. Discussion Questions "How would you describe the petals in this artwork? Are the petals of each flower the same shape? How many petals does this flower have? How would you describe the center of this flower? Where do you find each flower? How would you describe the leaves, stem, and petals? What is different about these roses? How many different colors can you find of this flower? Are some of the flowers more colorful than others? How would you describe the shape of these petals? How many petals does this flower have? How would you describe the center of this flower? Is the flower part of something else or is it growing by itself? Are there more flowers like this one nearby? What kind of flower would you like to have for your enchanted flower?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Enchanted Roses
2. Use patterns (stripes, swirls, zig zag) to add a design to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Enchanted Roses
3. Use painting techniques (splatter, mixing, pouring, wash) for the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Enchanted Roses
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Enchanted Roses for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, glue sticks, scissors)
Lesson Activities
1. Blend color combinations (cool colors, warm colors, metallic colors, neutral colors) for the positive space (glass container, enchanted rose, foreground) of the Enchanted Roses
2. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (glass container, enchanted rose, foreground) of the Enchanted Roses
3. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background, middle ground) of the Enchanted Roses
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
LUNA MOTHS AT NIGHT
Luna Moths At Night
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Luna Moths At Night using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (glow in the dark, neutral colors, cool colors), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and value (lightness, darkness, shadows, highlights) inspired by England Artist (1963-Present) Sarah Gillespie
- Use printmaking techniques (relief stencil etching dry point) and design principles (composition proportion variation) based on Contemporary Art
- Define Glow In The Dark (a special paint or materials that absorb light to release as a visible glow when placed in the dark)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Black Arches Moth (The Nun) (2020) Sarah Gillespie
2. Read The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman
3. Discussion Questions "Do you know Luna Moths only take flight at night, making them a rare and magical sight? Did you know Luna Moths are the largest moths in North America? Did you know adult moths only live a week and have no mouths? Can you imagine what the moth would look like flying at night? If you could have a moth as a pet, what would you do with it? What if this moth could glow in the dark? What color would it glow? Where do you think your moth lives? When you look at the moth's body, what does the texture (fluffy, smooth) look like? What kind of magical place does your Luna Moth live in such a secret garden, treasure grove, or magical forest? What adventures does the moth go on when everyone else is sleeping? Does the moth dance with fireflies or visit the moon?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12 X 15 Painting Paper
2. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to outline the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Luna Moths At Night from Assigned Tables
2. Clouded Magpie (2024) Sarah Gillespie
3. Discussion Questions "What are the circles on the wings for? Are the fake eyes to trick a bat, or can the moth see out of them? Can the feathery antennae of the moth feel moonbeams? What is the best halloween treat that your moth can find? What kind of costume is your moth wearing for halloween? What kind of magic dust in the wings of your moth made from? If your moth could talk, what kind of stories would it tell? What does your moth see when it flutters around the pumpkin patch at night? Does your moth have a secret pattern on its wings that only appears in the moonlight? What if your moth was a king or queen of all other moths? What kind of ruler would it be? If your moth could change its colors what would it change them to?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add patterns (swirls, dots, stripes) to the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
2. Use color combinations (cool colors, analogous colors, iridescent colors) for the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
3. Use color combinations (cool colors, analogous colors, iridescent colors) for the negative space (background) of the moth paintings
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Luna Moths At Night for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, tempera paint, paint brushes, glue sticks)
Lesson Activities
1. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) for the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
2. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) for the negative space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
3. Use texture (actual, visual, implied) to add details (wings, antennas, whiskers) to the positive space (foreground, moth) of the moth paintings
Artist Examples
Student Examples 
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
AGARIC MUSHROOM FORESTS
Agaric Mushroom Forests 
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Agaric Mushroom Forests using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use color combinations (analogous, neutral, warm colors, earth tones), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by English Illustrator (1820-1914) John Tenniel
- Use observational drawing techniques (scale, outline, contour, measurements) and design principles (composition, variation, proportion) based on Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
- Define Worms Eye Perspective (a technique where the viewpoint is positioned at ground level, looking up at a subject)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Alice Meets The Caterpillar (1951) John Tenniel
2. Read Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
3. Discussion Questions "Would you like to travel through a place like this? How can you exaggerate the shapes, forms, heights, and angles of the mushrooms to give them distinct personalities? How can you exaggerate the shapes, forms, heights, and angles of the mushrooms to tell a story? Will you have a realistic or stylized forest floor landscape? How can you use patterns found in nature to inspire your design of the leaves, mushrooms, or elements? What textures were included in the forest floor (smooth mushroom caps, velvet moss, rough tree bark)? What colors will you use to capture the atmosphere of the forest? What smaller hidden details will you add (insects, spores, prints, dew drops) to reward a closer look? What purpose do the different types of fungi serve in your imaginary ecosystem? How can you create a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping, cutting) to make a composition in the positive space (foreground, mushrooms) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
2. Use drawing techniques (layering, overlapping, cropping, cutting) to add details (stems, leaves, rocks, grass) in the positive space (foreground, mushrooms) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
3. Add design details (polka dots, magical symbols, biomorphic shapes) to the positive space (foreground, mushrooms) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Agaric Mushroom Forests for Assigned Tables
2. Alice and The Mushroom (1951) John Tenniel
3. Discussion Questions "What is the overall mood or feeling you would like to convey in your artwork? How can you use patterns found in nature to inspire your designs on the leaves, mushrooms, and other elements? What kind of mythical creatures or unseen spirits might live in your mushroom forest? If this mushroom forest existed in a dream, what would it look like and what kind of message would it hold? What happens in this forest when no one is watching? What are the shapes, colors, and textures of the different mushroom species you observe? How does the lighting (bright daylight, glowing moonlight, deep shadow) affect the appearance of the mushrooms? How can you create a composition that shows the complex relationships between the fungi, plants, and surrounding animals?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to add contrast to the negative space (background, forest) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
2. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to add contrast to the positive space (mushrooms, foreground) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
3. Use implied texture to add details (polka dots, magical symbols, biomorphic shapes) to the positive space (mushrooms, foreground) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Agaric Mushroom Forests for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (watercolor, tempera paint, paint brushes, sharpie markers)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous, neutral, warm colors, earth tones) to fill in the positive space (foreground, mushrooms) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
2. Use color combinations (analogous, neutral, warm colors, earth tones) to fill in the negative space (background, forest) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to outline the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (foreground, mushrooms) of the Agaric Mushroom Forests
Artist Examples
Student Examples 
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