Thursday, September 24, 2026
KINDERGARTEN KITTENS
Kindergarten Kittens
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Kindergarten Kitten using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by British Illustrator (2009-Present) Angie Rozelaar
- Use pattern (geometric, floral, plaid, check, motifs) and design principles (repetition, movement, contrast) based on Illustration
- Define Pattern (a deliberate design created by repeating lines, shapes, forms, colors, or textures in a predictable and recognizable sequence)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Cozy Kitty (2024) Angie Rozelaar
2. Read The Winter Cat by Howard Knotts
3. Discussion Questions "How can we use line and shapes to create a cat that looks expressive? How can an artist make a scarf look warm, soft, or cozy? How can we show texture in our artwork without touching the object? How can the colors we choose help communicate that our artwork takes place in winter? How can artists use imagination to tell a story through a single character? How could we contrast the cat's textured fur against the scarf's fabric? Is it a chunky, thick cable-knit scarf, a smooth plaid flannel, or a lightweight patterned fabric? Is the cat indoors by a fireplace, outdoors in a snowy winter landscape , or set against a simple, minimalist solid color?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, cat) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Use neutral colors (black, brown, grey, white) to draw the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, reindeer antlers, hats) in the positive space (foreground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Kindergarten Kittens for Assigned Tables
2. Cozy Cat Happiness (2025) Angie Rozelaar
3. Discussion Questions "How can artists use patterns 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 scarves look warm even when it is cold? How can artists use patterns to make winter clothing unique? 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. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to the accessories (ugly sweater, scarf, hat) in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kitten) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Kindergarten Kittens for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets, pencils)
Lesson Activities
1. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the negative space (background) of the Kindergarten Kittens
2. Use color combinations (analogous colors, warm colors, cool colors) to paint in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
3. Use value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to paint in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, kittens) of the Kindergarten Kittens
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
SNOWMEN PORTRAITS
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
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
WINTER LANTERNS
Winter Lanterns
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Winter Lanterns using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric organic free form), color combinations (neutral colors, cool colors, monochromatic colors), and value (lightness, darkness, shadows, highlights) inspired by Post Impressionist (1853-1890) Vincent Van Gogh
- Use core drawing techniques (scale, simple forms, spatial relationships, line stylization) and design principles (proportion, gradation contrast) based on Post Impressionism
- Define Chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in a drawing or painting)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Terrance and Observation Deck at the Moulin de Blute-Fin, Montmartre (1887) Vincent Van Gogh
2. Read The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer
3. Discussion Questions "How does art help us understand the lives of people of different times, places, and cultures? How is light used as an artistic medium in museums and public spaces? How do these illustrations transform a space and tell a story? What words would you use to describe the winter season? What kind of winter scene would you like to create for the lantern? Where will this lantern's light illuminate? Will the lantern illuminate inside of cozy room or within the dark of the night sky? Where does the light from the lantern travel? Does it go to the moon or through a neighbor's window? Why do streetlights exist? What is the purpose of a streetlight in our neighborhood? Why do people all over the world celebrate light during the longest night of the year? How is lighting a winter solstice lamp like sending a message of hope?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (thick, thin) to fill in the foreground (positive space, streetlamp), middle ground (berries, snowflakes, branches), and background (night sky) of the Winter Lanterns
2. Use neutral colors (black, grey, brown, white) to fill in the positive space (street lamps, foreground) of the Winter Lanterns
3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) for the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables
2. View Of Royal Road, Ramsgate (1876) Vincent Van Gogh
3. Discussion Questions "Can you think of other holidays or traditions that use light to celebrate during the winter? As you look at your lamp, what are some wishes you have for the new year? What is something that brought your joy this year that you want to carry with you? Why do we need darkness, and what good things happen in the dark? What does the light from a lamp, candle, or bonfire symbolize? What colors did you choose for your lamp, and what do they make you think? How does the light of the lamp make you feel? What kind of pictures or shapes do you see when the light shines through the holes in the lamp? Have you ever noticed when the streetlights turn on? Do you think streetlights with special designs are made to be beautiful or give light to neighbors?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns
2. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns
3. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue, blue) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Lanterns for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, tempera paint, water buckets, wash cloth)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns
2. Add shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadows, shadows) within the negative space (background) of the Winter Lanterns
3. Add details (snowflakes, animals, abstract designs) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, street lamps) of the Winter Lanterns
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
SANTA FLYING PASS MOON
Santa Flying Pass Moon
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Santa Flying Pass Moon using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use cool colors (blue green purple), value (lightness darkness highlights shadows), and space (positive negative) inspired by American Artist (1916-2001) Howard Finster
- Use painting techniques (blending, dry brush, wet on wet, splatter painting) and design principles (composition, proportion, gradation) based on Naive Art
- Define Silhouette (an image in a single color that shows only the outline of a solid shape of a persona, object, or scene)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Santa Claus (1983) Howard Finster
2. Read The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know the illustrations of Santa Claus show him with a warm face, iconic red suit, and prominent wedding ring? How did commercial art of Santa Claus influence the modern vision of Santa Claus now? Did you know Santa Claus was displayed on photographs, artwork, posters, postcards, greeting cards, song sheets, wrapping paper, and telegrams? How do you think the reindeer fly? What kind of technology does Santa Claus use at the North Pole to make toys? What colors did artists use for Santa Claus? Why do you think they choose those colors? What is Santa Claus wearing? Does it look like a typical Santa Claus suit?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (thick, thin) to draw the foreground (forest, building, Santa Claus), middle ground (night sky), and background (moon, night sky, snow) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Use monochromatic colors (light blue, dark blue) to fill in the background (moon, night sky, snow) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Use neutral colors (black, grey, white, brown) to fill in the foreground (forest, building, Santa Claus) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Santa Flying Pass Moon for Assigned Tables
2. Santa Claus (1985) Howard Finster
3. Discussion Questions "What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? What do you think the artist was trying to say in this artwork? What is the meaning or message? How did the artist use line, shape, and color to contribute to the mood or meaning? What would it feel like to be in this painting? Do you want to see this artwork again? What was Howard Finster's motivation for painting secular figures like Santa Claus? How does the Santa figure fit within Finster's overarching mission? How did his childhood memories of Christmas influence his artwork? Why is the provenance of the particular piece? How is the handwritten text incorporated into his Santa Claus pieceS? How does his Santa Claus compare to his depictions of other pop culture figures? How does this piece compare to other Santa artworks by Howard Finster in terms of style, theme, and detail?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use a ruler, compass, or straightedge to draw the foreground (Santa Claus, buildings, forest) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Add details (animals, moon, stars, snowmen, presents) to the middle ground (night sky) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Use black tempera paint to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, buildings, forest, Santa Claus) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Santa Flying Pass Moon for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, white tempera paint, water buckets)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) within the foreground (Santa Claus, buildings, forest) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadows) within the middle ground (night sky) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
3. Add details (animal, moon, stars, snowmen, elves, presents) within the negative space (background) of the Santa Flying Pass Moon
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
WINTER WREATHS
Winter Wreaths
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Winter Wreaths using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use cool colors (blue green purple), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and space (positive, negative) inspired by London Florist (2023-Present) Jessica Walker
- Use texture (actual visual implied) and design principles (balance composition repetition) based on Floral Designs
- Define Wreath (a circular arrangement of materials holding symbolic meaning to represent honor, victory, or celebration)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Countdown To Christmas (2024) Jessica Walker
2. Read Winter Wreath by Laura R. Vila
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Anzac Day is a Remembrance Day in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate soldiers who have passed? Did you know many commemorative ceremonies have laying of wreaths, speeches, and soundings held at war memorials? What is the difference between a seasonal themed wreath and a botanical wreath? Did you know Victorian women would make three-dimensional wreaths with threads, feathers, and human hair? Did you know wreaths were made for mourning, commemorate weddings, and growth of families or social groups in churches? Did you know hanging or wearing a decorative wreath is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations? Did you know a laurel wreath is one of the most famous historical wreaths in history? Did you know ancient wreaths used natural materials like laurel and palm leaves?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Colored Construction Paper
2. Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to draw the patterns (stripes swirls waves) onto the positive space (foreground middle ground wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables
2. First Christmas At Trade Court (2023) Jessica Walker
3. Discussion Questions "What did you learn about the history and significance of wreaths across different cultures? How does the symbolism of a wreath change based on the materials and the culture that it created? Which of the historical wreaths did you find most interesting? Why did you find this historical wreath interesting? What symbols or materials would you use to create a personal wreath that represents your own values or triumphs? If you could add anything to the wreath, even something silly like macaroni, what would you choose to add? Where did each natural piece of the wreath (pinecones, berries, branches) come from? Why do evergreen branches stay green all year, even in the cold winter? Why is a wreath shaped like a circle? What does a circle that never ends remind you of? Do people from other countries decorate with wreaths?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadows) to the negative space (background) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Add embellishments (pom poms, cotton balls, jewels) to the positive space (foreground, wreaths) of the Winter Wreaths
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Winter Wreaths for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, tempera paint, paint brushes, scissors)
Lesson Activities
1. Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) to add patterns (stripes swirls dots) to the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground, wreath) of the Winter Wreaths
3. Use neutral colors (black grey brown white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Winter Wreaths
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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