MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Sasquatch Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Sasquatch Painting using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), shape variation (gometric, organic, free form) and value (lightness, darkness, tints, shades) inspired by Pacific Northwest Indigenous Tribes 
• Use perspective techniques (atmospheric, linear, curvilinear, alternative) and design principles (proportion composition, gradation) based on Folklore Art
• Define Cryptids (an animal or creature claimed to exist through folklore, legend, or eyewitness accounts, but whose existence has never been proved or verified by mainstream science)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Untitled (2025) Ryan Henry Ward

2. Read Following Sasquatch by Molly Leach

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know many Pacific Northwest Tribes view the Sasquatch as a relative, neighbor, or protector? How does this change how we think about the forest if we view the creatures inside as our relatives? Did you know that Indigenous stories often show Sasquatches living in nature and taking only what is needed to survive? What lesson can we take from that about how we should treat the environment? In Anishinaabe traditions, the creature Sabe represents the sacred value of Honesty. why do you think a large, powerful forest being would be chosen to teach humans about being true to themselves? What are some stories your family uses to teach you how to stay safe? Why do you think television shows focus on hunting Bigfoot, while Indigenous stories focus on listening to or respecting them? How does learning that different tribes have different views of Sasquatch- some seeing a gentle giant, others a trister- show us that Native cultures are diverse?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper

2. Use line types (contour, outline, continuous) to draw positive space (Sasquatch, foreground, middle ground) of the Sasquatch Paintings

3.  Outline line types (contour, outline, continuous) with neutral colors (black, grey, white, brown) for the positive space (foreground) of the Sasquatch Paintings 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sasquatch Paintings for Assigned Tables 

2. Inspiring Rascals (2026) Ryan Henry Ward

3. Discussion Questions "What does leave no trace mean? How does Sasquatch practice these principles in the story? How would you spend your day in the forest and how would you leave no trace behind? How can artists use line, shape, color, and texture to create an imaginary creature? How can an artist make a creature look like it belongs in its environment? How can artists use scale and composition to tell a story? How can we make something imaginary look believable? Do artists need to agree about what Bigfoot looks like because he is an imaginary or legendary creature? How can we let the viewer know something enormous has been walking through our forest? What clues would convince you that a creature was nearby? How can artists use scale and overlapping to create depth?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sasquatch Paintings

3. Use neutral colors (black, white, grey, brown) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sasquatch Paintings from Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings

2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Sasquatch Paintings

3. Add details (hiking backpack, accessories, walking stick) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, Sasquatch) of the Sasquatch Paintings 

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Dreamcatcher Ornaments

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Dreamcatcher Ornament using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow), space (positive, negative), and texture (actual, implied, tactile) inspired by Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts by Cath Oberholtzer
• Understand weaving techniques (braiding, felting, crocheting, knitting) and design principles (movement, repetition, emphasis) based on Native American Art
• Define Dreamcatcher (a charm designed to hang above the head of a sleeping person, usually a child, to protect against nightmares)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Contemporary Dreamcatcher (2006) El Quisco, Chile
2. Read Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts by Cath Oberholtzer
3. Discussion Questions "What do we know? Where did they live? Why do Native Americans create art? What does Native American artwork look like? What are two things you learned about Native American art? Which Native American art form interests you the most? Why does this art form interest you? What is a dreamcatcher? Can you think of any legends you have heard of? What could the legend of the dreamcatcher be teaching?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Use ribbon or lace to wrap around the frame of the wooden loop of the dreamcatcher ornament
2. Tie a double or triple knot at the end of the wooden frame before weaving a web on the dreamcatcher
3. Cut thread or string to be attached to the bottom of the wooden frame for weaving a dreamcatcher web

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Dreamcatcher

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Dreamcatcher Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Read Grandmother's Dreamcatcher by Becky Ray McClain
3. Reflective Discussion "According to Lobako Oral Tradition, the dreamcatcher originated in a Lokato spirit leader's vision. In this vision, the leader saw a spider named "Iktomi" who began to spin a web. As he spun, he spoke of the cycles of life- the good, the bad forces in life- which can help or interfere with the harmony of nature. Iktomi gave the web to the spirit leader and said the web will "catch" the bad dreams to filter them out. The good dreams and visions will pass through the center hole of the web. The web, or dreamcatcher, should be kept above the bed to protect the dreamer from bad or harmful dreams."

Lesson Activities

1. Stretch string clockwise over the loop and create a hitch around the warp of the dreamcatcher
2. Loop string or thread around the wooden frame before adding a knot at the end of the dreamcatcher ornaments
3. Use string or thread to weave a small circle in the middle of the wooden frame of the dreamcatcher

Day Three, Art Start

1.  Retrieve Dreamcatcher Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, glue sticks, markers, feathers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use beads to add a pattern within the circular weave of the wooden frame of the dreamcatcher ornaments
2. Use different colored fabric patterns to add hangings to the bottom of the dreamcatcher ornaments
3. Hang four or five feathers to the bottom wooden frame of the dreamcatcher ornaments 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

Winter Birch Trees

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create Winter Birch Trees using camouflage techniques (dry brush, blending, bleeding) learned in class
• Use texture (rough, soft, smooth) cool colors (blue, purple, pink) and space (foreground, middle ground, background) relating to American West Painter Bev Doolittle
• Use design principles (composition, placement, gradation) to mimic art making approaches of Native American Art 
• Define Landscape (a picture showing countryside or land scenery)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Where Silence Speaks- Forest Has Eyes (1986) American West Painter Bev Doolittle
2. Informational Book "The Art of Bev Doolittle" by Elise MacLay
3. Famous Artist Quote "Earth is beautiful and exciting and I feel blessed that I have been allowed to explore so much of it." Bev Doolittle

Lesson Activities

1. Use Cool Colors (blue, pink, purple) to fill in the background of their paintings
2. Cut Out and Glue 6" by 12" manila paper to the bottom of the paper for the snowy ground
3. Cut Out 6" by 12" white paper for snowdrifts in the clean snowy ground

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Paper

Day Two, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Day Three, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Artist Examples

Student Examples

NATIVE AMERICAN PORTRAITS

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create a Native American Portrait using realistic techniques (bristol board, smudging, preliminary sketch) learned in class 
• Use value (lightness, darkness) shape (simple, complex) and space (positive, negative) similar to American Painter George Catlin
• Use design principles (balance, composition, proportion) to recreate documentation Indigenous People and have art appreciation American Indian Culture
• Define Indigenous (something or someone who is native to an area or naturally belongs there)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

Lesson Activities

Day Two, Art Start

Lesson Activities   

Day Three, Art Start

Lesson Activities 

Artist Examples