Unicorn Collages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Unicorn Collage using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (rainbow order, neon colors, metallic colors), line types (loopy, spiral, scallop, wavy), and shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) inspired by The Unicorn Tapestries
• Use collage techniques (assemblage, photomontage, mixed media, decoupage) and design principles (proportion, contrast, repetition) based on Medieval Art
• Define Imagination (the power to form ideas and images in the mind)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Tapestry Fragment Depicting A Unicorn (1500) Victoria and Albert Museum

2. Read Never Let A Unicorn Scribble by Diane Alber

3. Discussion Questions "What do you notice about these creatures? Why might an artist choose to combine parts of many different animals? What might these different animals symbolize? Why might someone have wanted to decorate their doorway with creatures like these? Where might we see animals like these today? What kind of creatures would you choose to decorate your own space? Why would you choose these creatures? How big will your unicorn be? What kind of features (water, tree, fences) does the unicorn need? How will you care for the unicorn everyday? Did you know that some people in medieval times thought unicorns were real animals? What is a magical creature? How are magical creatures different from everyday beings? What specials powers do magical creatures have? What kinds of magical creatures are found in different cultures and in stories from around the world? What makes a magical creature special or unusual?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use pencil to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages 

3. Use pencil to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Unicorn Collages for Assigned Tables 

2. The Unicorn In Captivity (1495-1505) South Netherlands 

3. Discussion Questions "If you could make a tapestry, what would be in it? Would there be animals in your tapestry? Where would the animals be and what would they be doing? What details would you include? Would you hide little animals, like the frog in Unicorn In Captivity? What colors would you use? What does the unicorn in the story have in common with the one you saw in the picture? Why might some things about this unicorn be different? What special powers does the unicorn in the story have? Was the unicorn in the story friendly or unfriendly? Was the unicorn in this story different than unicorns we read or heard about the other day? If you were a unicorn, what powers would you have? Would you rather have a unicorn or a dragon as a friend? If you were a unicorn, what kinds of things would you do? Would you like to be a unicorn? Why or why not?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, rainbow order, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages 

2. Use color combinations (analogue, rainbow order, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages 

3. Use oil pastels to add patterns (dots, stripes, swirls, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Unicorn Collages for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, watercolor paint, glue sticks, construction paper)

Lesson Activities

1. Use oil pastels to add patterns (dots, stripes, swirls, waves) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages 

2. Use neutral colors (black, white, brown, grey) for the negative space (background) of the Unicorn Collages

3. Add embellishments (jewels, glitters, fabric) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, unicorn) of the Unicorn Collages 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

 Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Oil Pastel Dragon Eye using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use analogous colors (red, purple, blue; yellow, orange, green), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and shape (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by Renaissance Artists
• Use value techniques (shades, tints, shadows, highlights) and design principles (composition, proportion, balance) based on Medieval Art
• Define gradation (a small change from one shade, tone, or color to another)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

3. Outline line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) with analogous colors (red blue purple; green yellow orange) for the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes for Assigned Tables

2. Articulated Dragon (1880) Myochin School Japan

3. Discussion Questions "What decision did you make on the dragon's appearance and behavior? What kind of dragon are you making? What type of personality does the dragon have? Is your dragon made up of different creatures? What colors have you chosen for your dragon? Do those colors have symbolic meaning? What kind of background color or pattern does your dragon want to perch? What is the name of your dragon? How are dragons a part of the Lunar New Year celebrations? What does the word culture mean to you? What are some different cultures from around the world? What sorts of traditions and symbols are specific to these different cultures? What sorts of traditions and symbols are found in your own culture? Why might it be important to understand cultures other than your own? What is the relationship between art and culture? Are they connected? If so, how?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use analogous colors (red blue purple; green yellow orange) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes 

2. Use analogous colors (red blue purple; green yellow orange) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

3. Use embellishments (plastic eyes, bubble wrap, brown paper) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (oil pastels, erasers, pencils) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

3. Add details (eyelashes, spots, whiskers) to the positive space (dragon) of the Oil Pastel Dragon Eyes

Artist Examples

Student Examples