MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Nighttime Owl Paintings

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Nighttime Owl Paintings use drawing techniques learned in class
• Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, visual implied) inspired by Inuit Artist (1991-Present) Ooloosie Saila
• Use painting techniques (impasto, glazing, dry brush, alla prima) and design principles (composition, balance, variation) based on Indigenous Art
•  Define Inuit Art (the creative work made by the Inuit, the indigenous people of the Arctic regions in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Festival Owl (2026) Oolosie Saila

2. Read Owl Babies by Marin Waddell 

3. Discussion Questions "Is the owl sleeping, peeking out, or waking up? What does the weather feel like outside of the tree? What will happen when an animal's habitat changes with the seasons? What visual textures can make the feathers look soft and the bark look rough? How do the choices of an artist give an animal a specific personality? What can the tilt of the head or the size of the eyes tell us about an owl's mood? How does light create shadows that make a flat owl look three dimensional? What roles do daytime and nighttime play in the colors an artist chooses? How do artists and authors show big feelings like worry or relief in a character? How are owls a symbol of thoughtful perspective, wisdom, and quick wit? Have you ever seen any owl? What do you like about owls? What would you do if you had your own owl?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw the foreground (bird), middle ground (feathers), and background (tree branches) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add layers to subject matter (foreground, middle ground, bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nighttime Owl Paintings for Assigned Tables 

2. Ornamental Owl (2017) Ooloosie Saila 

3. Discussion Questions "What factors influenced the artist as a child that impacted her career? What are some characteristics from this artwork that sets it apart from other artists work? What is the symbolism found within this artwork? What are some indicators that prove this artist is important? What are some different types of art produced at different stages in her life? What makes you think this artist is a great artist? How did the artist become interested in birds? Does her artwork change your view of the world? How did the artist fill the composition? Did the artist take time and effort to make the color vibrant? What is the reason that some birds are colorful?"      

Lesson Activities

1. Add thin layers of pastels to the foreground (bird), middle ground (feathers), and background (tree) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

2. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add details (beak, eyes, eyelashes) to the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, smudging, smearing) to add texture (actual, visual, implied) to the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Nighttime Owl Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, oil pastels, brown construction paper, sharpie markers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the positive space (bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings

3. Use tint (white) and shade (black) to add the illusion of depth within the positive space (bird) of the Nighttime Owl Paintings 

Artist Examples

Student Examples