Treehouse Drawings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Treehouse Drawings using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and form (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by American Artist (1979-Present) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz
• Use perspective techniques (linear, one-point, two-point, three-point, atmospheric) and design principles (proportion, gradation, composition) based on American Art
• Define Architecture (the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Corner Store (2024) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz

2. Read Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

3. Discussion Questions "Are the houses below, in, or on top of the tree? How do you know? What shapes do you see in the structure of the houses? How do you access the houses? Is the tree sitting on a horizon line or inside of an area? What details do you notice in each of the houses? What windows do you notice in each of the houses? What is the secret purpose of the treehouse such as launching water balloons or high-tech makers space? What items would you throw up into the treehouse to keep them safe? Is your treehouse made of wood, giant sticks, crystal, or metal? Is the treehouse hidden by thick leaves, vibrant, or standing out as a statement piece? Is the treehouse drawing sitting on top of branches, wrapped around the truck like a spiral, or floating between multiple trees?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use observational drawing techniques (composition, direct light, value) to draw the basic parts (roof, windows, door, base) of the Treehouse Drawings 

2. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (windows, doorways, balcony) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

3. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to add details (trees, dirt path, puddles) to the negative space (background) of the Treehouse Drawings 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Treehouse Drawings for Assigned Tables 

2. Lorax Camp (2020) Jedediah Corwyn Voltz

3. Discussion Questions "What are some things happening in this artwork? What kind of person would live in this treehouse? What is the treehouse made of (leaves, sticks, mushrooms, magical)? Are there any special doors, windows, or stairs to this house? Does this house have a special feature, like a baloney, a look out, or a secret room? What could be added to this picture with more time? What are some famous examples of biomorphic architecture? How does the shape of the home reflect the inhabitants? How does the treehouse blend in with its environment? What types of lines and shapes are present in your house? How are details like windows, doors, and roofs designed to be functional or imaginative? What was the most challenging part of designing and building your treehouse?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use types of patterns (stripes, swirls, meanders) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

2. Add high contrast (shaded areas, shadows, value) and light/medium contrast (background, light areas, middle ground) to the white space of the Treehouse Drawings 

3. Add embellishments (scrap paper, aluminum foil, paper bags)) to the positive space (foreground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Treehouse Drawings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (pencils, erasers, markers, rulers) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, treehouse) of the Treehouse Drawings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, neutral) to fill in the negative space (background, landscape) of the Treehouse Drawings

3. Add additional types of patterns (stripes, swirls, meanders) to the negative space (background) of the Treehouse Drawings

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

 Perspective Graveyards

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create an original Perspective Graveyard using drawing techniques learned in class 
• Use neutral colors (black grey brown white), line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), and value (lightness darkness shadows highlights) inspired by American Artist (1954-Present) Scott Covert
• Use printmaking techniques (rubbings frottage decalmonia collagraph) and design principles (proportion composition variation) based on American Art
•  Define Rubbings (a reproduction of the texture of a surface created by placing a piece of paper or material over a subject to rub with something to deposit marks) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Bonnie And Clyde (2021) Scott Covert 

2. Read Greenview Cemetery by Greg Lundgren

3. Discussion Questions "What symbols did you choose to draw on the tombstone? What do these symbols mean? What details would you like to add to your picture such as grass, fence, or moon? What does the texture of your tombstone look like? Is it old and cracked or brand new? What is happening around the tombstone in your picture? What words did you choose to write on the tombstone? Could you use wiggly lines to show what might have been written? Can you create an epitaph that describes who this character was? How are your tombstone the same as something you have seen before? How are they different? Where is your horizon line? Is it high up, like we are looking from a flying broomstick, or low down, like we are a tiny mouse on the ground?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, tombstones) of the perspective graveyards

2. Add details (leafless trees, witches, zombies, ghosts) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, tombstones) of the perspective graveyards 

3. Use colored sharpies to outline the foreground, middle ground, and background of the perspective graveyards

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Perspective Graveyards for Assigned Tables 

2. Untitled From White Columns Portfolio (2019) Scott Covert

3. Discussion Questions "What is happening in this picture? What mediums and processes were used in this artwork? What art elements and principles were used in this artwork? Where can you see them? What inspiration comes to mind from this artwork? What can you see? What do you think is the meaning behind this artwork? How does this image make you feel? What do you like about this image? What are some art elements and principles you can see? How does Thea artist use brushes or tools to show all the visual elements in this artwork? How will you compose your section? How does your section fit into the big picture? How does this artwork inspire your own work?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, stars) in the positive space (foreground, tombstones, middle ground, scenery) of the perspective graveyards 

2.  Use neutral colors (black grey white brown) to fill in the positive space (foreground, tombstones, middle ground, scenery) of the perspective graveyards 

3. Use neutral colors (black grey white brown) to fill in the negative space (background, scenery) of the perspective graveyards 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Perspective Graveyards for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (graphite pencil, erasers, cloth, pencils, charcoal, white charcoal)

Lesson Activities 

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, reflection, moonlight) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, tombstones) of the perspective graveyards 

2. Add shadows (shadows, reflective shadow, shadows, cast shadow) within the negative space (background) of the perspective graveyards 

3. Add details (witches, shovel, ghosts, zombies, flowers) within the negative space (background, scenery) of the perspective graveyards 

Artist Examples

Student Examples 

 One Point Shape Perspectives

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original One Point Shape Perspectives using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and form (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by Impressionist Painter (1848-1894) Gustave Caillebotte
• Use core drawing techniques (scale, simple forms, spatial relationships) and design principles (proportion, variation, contrast) based on Impressionism
• Define Vanishing Point (a point where parallel lines appear to converge in the distance)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1.  The Bridge Of Europe (1876-1877) Gustave Caillebotte

2. Read The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg

3. Discussion Questions "Which direction are the lines facing in all the examples (vertical, horizontal, perspective, diagonal)? Do you see any lines that do not follow these rules? What art skills, subject area, or big idea is being taught? How does this art skill translate into an everyday life skill? Which sides of the object would be visible and which sides of the object would be hidden? What knowledge do my students need to possess to create a one point perspective drawing? Are there cultures that did not use linear perspective? Where do you think the road goes to in the distance? What happens to things as they get further away from you? Where would you have to look to see the very end of a long hallway? How can we make our drawings look like they have depth? Why do things in the distance look smaller than things that are close to you? Do you see any lines that look like they are going far, far away?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use three geometric shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) to represent a mood (happy, angry, sad) for the shape perspectives

2. Use tints (white grey black) to fill in the positive space (foreground, three dimensional shapes) for the shape perspectives 

3. Use tints (white grey black) to fill in the negative space (background) of the One Point Shape Perspectives 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve One Point Shape Perspectives for Assigned Tables 

2. Paris Street, Rainy Day (1877) Gustave Caillebotte

3.  Discussion Questions "What colors are being used in this artwork? Which area of the artwork is emphasized by the artist? Which part of the art is most important? How did the artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How did the artist use proportion? How would you describe this artwork to someone who has never seen it? What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? Who do you think this artwork was created for? Why do you say that? How do you think that artist feels about the final product? How do you think this artwork was made? Why do you think this artwork was made? Why do you think this artist created this work? What emotions do you notice in this artwork? What emotions do you feel when looking at this? How do you think the artist was feeling when he created this artwork? How did the artist use line, shape, and color to contribute to the mood or meaning? What title would you give this artwork?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add three different lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to add visual interest in the shape perspectives 

2. Use colored construction paper to fill in the positive space (foreground, three dimensional shapes) of the shape perspectives

3. Use colored construction paper to fill in the negative space (background) of the One Point Shape Perspectives 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve One Point Shape Perspectives for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (paper cut outs, rulers, geometric shape templates, pencils, erasers) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use black sharpie markers to outline the three dimensional shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the shape perspectives 

2. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, three dimensional shapes) of the shape perspectives

3. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the One Point Shape Perspectives 

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Edward Hopper Inspired Windows

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Edward Hopper Inspired Windows using collage techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (complementary, secondary, analogous), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative, exterior, interior) inspired by American Artist (1882-1967) Edward Hopper
• Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) and design principles (emphasis, repetition, variety) based on American Realism
• Define Window (symbol of confinement, freedom, or acting as a light source for dramatic scenes)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Nighthawks (1942) Edward Hopper

2. Read Windows by Julia Denos

3. Discussion Questions "Which window has a good view? Where are you going to sit? Are you going to draw any of the inside, or just the window frame and outside? What does a window symbolize in art? Why would an artist choose to work with glass? Why would an artist choose to draw a window? Why would an artist choose light, dark, open, or closed scenery? What could this window composition be a metaphor for? Does this work create a strong emotional response? What did the artist say about the piece? What events are happening in the world at the time this piece was created? What are the five elements of abstract art? Does this work introduce a thought, concept, idea, or make you think on a higher level?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Painting Paper

2. Use ruler to draw three lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the interior (window, wallpaper) of the window compositions

3. Use oil pastel to add patterns (swirls, stripes, dots) to negative space (interior) of the Edward Hopper Inspired Windows

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Edward Hopper Inspired Windows for Assigned Tables

2. Room For Tourists (1945) Edward Hopper

3. Discussion Questions "How are these images alike or different? Which artwork seems more realistic and which seems more abstract? Did Edward Hopper use white or bright colors in thee negative space of most of his pictures? Does the brilliant color and varieties of pattern make it harder to identify the negative space? Which shapes are positive and negative? What types of balance does this image have? What types of lines and colors do you see? Can you find alternating patterns in this picture? Can you think of any other expressive words to help describe the way the lines look? What is a painting of the outdoors called? What words would you use to describe this painting to me?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add details (toys, pets, dolls) to negative space (interior) of the window compositions 

2. Add details (door, balcony, shudders) to the positive space (exterior) of the window compositions

3. Use collage material (scissors, glue sticks, fabric) to add details (toys, pets, curtains) to the negative space (interior) and positive space (exterior) of the Edward Hopper Inspired Windows

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Edward Hopper Inspired Windows for Assigned Tables

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

Lesson Activities

1. Use tissue paper to add plants (leaves, flowers, lilacs) within the negative space (interior) of the window compositions 

2. Use complementary colors (red, green; blue, orange; yellow purple) to fill in the positive space (exterior) of the window compositions

3. Use complementary colors (red, green; blue, orange; yellow, purple) to fill in the negative space (interior) of the Edward Hopper Inspired Windows

Artist Examples

Student Examples

 Nonobjective Value Designs

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Nonobjective Value Designs using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic), and line types (quadrilateral, parallel, straight) inspired by Russian Artist (1879-1935) Kazimir Malevich
• Use value scale (lightest to darkest) and design principles (composition, movement, gradation) based on Cubism
• Define Perspective (illusion of space and depth on a flat surface)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Morning In The Village After Snowstorm (1913) Kazimir Malevich

2. Read "Kazimir Malevich: The Non-Objective World" by Walter Gropius

3. Discussion Questions "How are shapes related to one another in this painting? Are the perpendicular, diagonal, layered, or separated? How much space exists between the shapes? Doe th shapes seem to be pulling together or pushing apart? Are there any other ways in which the painting is like flying in an airplane? Why did the artist think painting had to be abandon for it to be modern? How did he want to change painting? Why did the artist think that flat, geometric forms were more real than traditional realism? What other kinds of questions does this painting inspire? What questions does the painting pose about the role of the viewer? What colors did Malevich use in the painting?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use three geometric shapes (circle, oval, rectangle) to represent a theme (colors, days, seasons) for the nonobjective works

2. Use tints (white grey black) to fill in the positive space (geometric shapes) for the nonobjective works

3. Use tints (white grey black) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Nonobjective Value Designs

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nonobjective Value Designs for Assigned Table

2. The Lady At The Piano (1913) Kazimir Malevich

3. Discussion Questions "What colors are being used in this artwork? Which area of the artwork is emphasized by the artist? Which part of the artwork is most important? How did there artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How did the artist use proportion? How would you describe this artwork to someone who has never seen it? What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? Who do you think this artwork was created for/? Why do you say that? How do you think the artist feels about the final product? How do you think this artwork was made?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add three different lines (diagonal, vertical, horizontal) to add visual interest with in the nonobjective works

2. Use colored construction paper to fill in the positive space (geometric shapes) within the nonobjective works

3. Use colored construction paper to fill in the negative space (background) of the Nonobjective Value Designs

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nonobjective Value Designs for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (colored chalk, cloth, erasers, blenders)

Lesson Activities

1. Use black sharpie marker to draw three geometric shapes (circle, oval, triangle) and line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) of the nonobjective works

2. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the positive space (geometric shapes) of the nonobjective works

3. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Nonobjective Value Designs

Artist Examples

Student Examples