Snowmen Portraits

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Snowmen Portraits using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and value (lightness, darkness, tints, shades) inspired by American Illustrator (2001-Present) Stephen Gilpin
• Use mathematical concepts (counting, cumulative addition, mental math, grouping) and design principles (movement, repetition, gradation) based on Children's Literature
• Define Portrait (an intentional representation of a living or once living person -or group of people- where the face and its expression are the focus)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Seven Snowmen (2013) Stephen Gilpin

2. Read "100 Snowmen" by Jen Arena 

3. Discussion Questions "How many snowmen were there by the end of the story? Can you try counting all the way to 100 by tens? At the beginning, did you notice that more snowmen joined in? What started happening to the groups of snowmen about halfway through the book? When looking at the big picture with all the 100 snowmen, can you find a snowman wearing a funny hat? Can you find the ones playing hide-and-seek? Did you notice the snowmen did many winter activities? Can you name three different active things the snowmen did in the snow? Could real snowmen slide down hills, laugh, and play hide-and-seek? Does that make this story fiction (made-up) or nonfiction (real)? If you were one of the snowmen in this book, which group would you want to join? Have you ever built a real snowman? If you could build 100 snowmen in your yard, what would you dress them in?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use cool colors (blue, green, purple) to draw the negative space (background, snow) of the Snowmen Portraits

2. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits

3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to draw the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, reindeer antlers, hat) in the positive space (snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Snowmen Portraits for Assigned Tables

2. 100 Snowmen (2013) Stephen Gilpin

3. Discussion Questions "What do you notice about the snowmen on the cover? Do you think all 100 snowmen will look exactly the same? How could an artist make one snowman look different from another? What do you think makes a snowman look like a snowman? How many different snowman do you think you could create? Can you find a snowman that looks happy, silly, surprised, or serious? What could you add to tell us something about your snowman? If you had to create the 101st snowman, what would it look like? What make your snowman different from your classmates snowmen? Why might an artist choose to repeat the same subject many times? Which classmates snowman has an interesting artistic choice, and what do you notice about it?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background, snow) of the Snowmen Portraits

2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits

3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, hat) in the positive space (snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Snowmen Portraits for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (washable markers, erasers, pencils, gel pens)

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint the negative space (background) of the Snowmen Portraits 

2. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint the positive space (foreground, middle ground, snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits

3. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to paint the positive space (foreground, middle ground, snowmen) of the Snowmen Portraits 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

Pop Up Snowballs

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Pop Up Snowballs using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two-dimensional, three-dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by American Art Educator (2017-Present) Tracie Kiernan
• Use folding techniques (cutting, folding, interlocking, bonding) and design principles (emphasis, variation, contrast) based on American Art
• Define Mitten (a type of hand covering that encloses the four fingers together in one single compartment and the thumb separately) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Mittens Love (2024) Tracie Kiernan

2. Read Snowballs by Lois Ehlert 

3. Discussion Questions "How can artists use pattern 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 mitten look warm even though the snowballs look cold? How can artists use patterns to make a mitten unique? How can geometric shapes (circles, ovals, crescents) become snowballs or mittens? 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. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, mittens) of the Pop Up Snowballs

3. Use patterns (stripes, houndstooth, herringbone, plaid, floral, check) to add designs to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, mittens) of the Pop Up Snowballs

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Pop Up Snowballs for Assigned Tables 

2. Christmas Mittens (2022) Tracie Kiernan

3. Discussion Questions "What are mittens? How many of you have ever worn mittens? How many of you have ever lost a mitten? How did you feel? What are mittens east to lose? Why do you think this story is called Snowballs? What is the difference between a glove and a mitten? Why do you think a mitten keeps your hands warmer than a glove? Do the mittens you made match? If we make a pair of mittens, how do we make sure they look like they belong together? What kinds of lines are you using to decorate your mitten- straight, zigzag, wavy, or dotted? What kind of repeating pattern can you make with these colors? What is your favorite part of your design? If you made another mitten, what would you change or add next time?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, warm/cool colors, complementary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, mittens) of the Pop Up Snowballs

2. Use color combinations (analogous, warm/cool colors, complementary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Pop Up Snowballs

3. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, snowball) of the Pop Up Snowballs

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Pop Up Snowballs for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, tempera paint, water bucket, glitter)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, cast light) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, mittens) of the Pop Up Snowballs

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadows, reflective shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Pop Up Snowballs

3.Use texture (glitter, shimmer, metallic) to add details (snowflakes, glitter, wind) to the negative space (background) of the Pop Up Snowballs

Artist Examples

Student Examples

 Diamond Mural

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Diamond Mural using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), color combinations (neutral, warm/cool colors, analogous colors), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Artist (1989-Present) Maya Nayuk
• Use mathematical concepts (measurements, patterns, functions, tessellations) and design principles (repetition, composition, proportion) based on American Art
• Define Cross Stitch Pattern (a grid-based guide that tells an artist where to place x-shaped stitches on fabric to create a pattern)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Kilim 1 (2024) Maya Hayuk 

2. Read Mathterpieces: The Art Of Problem Problem Solving by Greg Paprocki 

3. Discussion Questions "Why would a human invent shapes, patterns, or tessellations? What if buildings were only made from one shape (triangles, circles, ovals, swaures)? How do artists use mathematics (geometric, tessellations, symmetry) to create artwork? How do design principles (repetition, balance, harmony) help to create a mural? How does a mural represent a school community and why would a school community create a mural? Why would an artist simplify an image into patterns, shapes, or pixels? How can your individual contributions strengthen a community artwork? What do you find difficult about working inside a grid or pattern system? How do these geometric shapes (circles, triangles, squares, rectangles) create a bigger picture? Did you know the artist used mandalas, Rorschach tests, and pysanka as visual inspiration for her artwork? What happens when you look at artwork up close compared to far away? Is Maya Hayuk's artwork more mathematical or emotional? Why do contemporary muralists often use geometric abstraction?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 5 2" X 2" construction paper diamonds 

2. Use a protractor, straight edge, and compass to draw lines to help divide the sections of each construction paper diamond 

3. Write name/positive message on each 2" X 2" construction paper diamond before adding the diamonds to the Diamond Mural 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Diamond Mural for Assigned Tables 

2. Hammer Projects: Maya Hayuk (2024) Maya Mayuk

3. Discussion Questions "What are some similarities and differences between these examples of previous murals? How does an artist handle revisions to the design of a mural? How do artists create digital mockups or sketches to visualize the mural on the wall? What type of mural does the artist specialize in: realism, abstract, or illustrative? What is your experience with public art? Do you think this method would be helpful for drawing other things? How do artists make their artwork today? Is there something that could be improved in this artwork? How does someone become an artist? When did the artist start making artwork? What happens when two geometric shapes (triangles, squares, ovals, diamonds) overlap? Does the geometric shapes (triangles, squares, ovals, diamonds) create a new color?"

Lesson Activities

Day Three, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Artist Examples 

Student Examples 

 Mixed Media Gemstones

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Mixed Media Gemstone using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use Metallic Colors (gold silver bronze), space variation (geometric organic free form), and space (positive negative) inspired by English Artist (1978-Present) Rebecca Chaperon
• Use mathematical techniques (straight lines, arched edges, simple shapes) and design principles (composition balance repetition) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Gemstone (mineral crystal cut, polished, and formed to make jewelry)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Crystal Form #1 (2020) Rebecca Chaperon

2. Read A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston And Sylvia Long 

3. Discussion Questions "What is the name of your birthstone or gemstone? What colors do gemstones come in? How many gems can you identify on your own? What is the difference between mineral, organic, and created gemstones? For a rock to be considered a gemstone, it must have what? Which month has a birthstone that is considered a kaleidoscope? What is the hardness of a gemstone? Are synthetic gemstones considered a mineral? Out of al the gemstones in the world, none of them have the occurrence of gold in them? Is color a reliable characteristic that can be used to identify a gemstone? Which is no a hue of color? what is the most valuable gem in Asia? Jade is the most precious gemstone in which country? What birthstone can change from one color to another under different lighting? Which one is not a gemstone?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose a 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) for basic shapes (geometric organic free form) of gemstone drawings

3. Outline the three line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) with metallic colors (copper silver gold) of gemstone drawings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Gemstones for Assigned Table

2. Mineral Movement (2020) Rebecca Chaperon

3. Discussion Questions "Can you tell me two facts about gems and rocks? Did the artist draw a polygonal gem using guide dots and straight lines? Did the artist limit their color palette to either warm or cool colors? How could this composition be improved? what stone is said to protect against nightmares? Which birthstone stands for devotion? What is the best gemstone to buy a man? What is the best gemstone to buy a woman? What color of pearl stands for money? What is the most valued color of moonstone? If a step-cut has its corners cut off, what is it called? A fire oral is what color? How many star points does a star sapphire have? What birthstone can change from one color to another under different lighting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use mathematical techniques (straight lines, arched edges, curved lines) to add basic shapes (geometric organic free form) to positive space (foreground) of gemstone drawings

2. Use drawing techniques (straight lines, arched edges, curved lines) to add basic shapes (geometric organic free form) to negative space (background) of gemstone drawings

3. Use drawing techniques (straight lines, arched edges, curved liens) to add details (pattern, repetition) to the Mixed Media Gemstones

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Mixed Media Gemstones for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, paintbrushes, water bucket)

Lesson Activities

1. Use analogous colors (blue, purple, red) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the gemstone drawings

2. Use analogous colors (yellow orange green) to fill in the negative space (background) of the gemstone drawings

3. Add design details (sparkles, glitter, border) to the positive space (foreground) of the Mixed Media Gemstones

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

Julian Opie Inspired Portraits

Learning Targets

• Create an original Julian Opie Portrait using computer techniques learned in class
• Use line types (contour line, thick line, thin line), shape variation (rectangle, oval, circle), and solid colors (blue, green, brown) inspired by Contemporary Artist (1958-Present) Julian Opie
• Use computer techniques (multitasking, dragging, transferring) and design principles (balance, composition, repetition) based on Graphics Art
• Define Self Portrait (a portrait of oneself done by oneself)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Natasha, Schoolgirl (2000) Julian Opie
2. Read Julian Opie (Tate Modern Artist) by Mary Horlock
3. Discussion Questions "Does your work reflect Julian Opie's style? Have you simplified the eyes to dots? Have you simplified the nose to either dots or a curve? Have you simplified the mouth to a wavy line? Have you simplified your wavy or zig zag marks to show the texture of hair? Have you drawn in a second tone in the hair? Can you answer these questions: who where when why and what? What types of colors were used? How was this artwork made? What type of style is this artwork? What can you see in this work? Why do you think the artist made it? What has the artist made of the image out of? What can you see in the picture? If there were sounds for this picture, what would the sounds be? What are the pictures designed for? What is the name of the artist? What year was the picture produced? What is the picture of? What is in the foreground? What is in the background? What shapes and lines are used? Why does the artist use simple shapes and lines? Where in the portraits is the most mark making lines and tones used? How does this help show the identity of the band members?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a pencil to draw shape variation (geometric, organic) of face parts (head, hair, shoulders, ears) of digital portrait
2. Use line types (wavy, straight, narrow) to add facial features (eyes, eyelashes, eyebrows, hair) to digital portrait
3. Use line types (wavy, straight, narrow) to add details (buttons, ribbons, stripes) to clothing of digital portrait

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Julian Opie Inspired Portraits for Assigned Table
2. Sam, Schoolboy (2001) Julian Opie
3. Discussion Questions "What medium does the artist use in his work? Can you see any brush marks and why? What colors has the artist used and why? Are these colors primary, secondary, harmonious, or complimentary? Why do you think the artist choose the colors in this picture? How does this picture make you feel? What would you think the artist is trying to make you feel? Why is this artist interesting to study? What have you learned about the artist? What do you now think of this artist? Who will you draw and paint in your Julian Opie style painted final piece? What are three similar characteristics in each portrait? What do you notice about the hair in each portrait? What do you notice about the background? What do you think the artist has created in this style?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use solid colors (blue, brown, green) to fill in the positive space (portrait) of the digital portrait
2. Use solid colors (blue, yellow, orange) to fill in the negative space (background) of the digital portrait 
3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the positive space (portrait) with design for digital portrait 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Julian Opie Inspired Portraits for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (MSPaint, computer program, printer)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to positive space (portrait) of ones digital portrait
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to negative space (background) of ones digital portrait
3. Use stop motion program (iMotion, FlipaClip, Stop Motion) to add an animation to ones Julian Opie Inspired Portrait 

Artist Examples

Student Examples