Audubon Bird Project

Audubon Day- Introduction to famous American based artist, explorer and naturalist John James Audubon. How did he live and work? Observation and Imagination.

Bird sketches-studying class resources, handouts, and print reproductions create a bird sketchbook, pencil & sketch paper. Looking closely, details, contour lines, anatomy, using art/science vocabulary.
Science/Art connection  

Audubon inspired bird prints-Student select bird drawing from their portfolio to create as a limited run series of print. Transfer image to soft plate using a wooden stylist. Model printing process. Small groups pull prints, sign artist proof, refine and make individual paper and ink color choices. Reflect on images.
Engineering/Art connection observe imagine process product

Realistic Portraits

 How do you draw a realistic human portrait?

Great Birds of North America

Supported by observation and discussion students created several pencil sketches of North American birds. They were provided with table top hands outs and other visual supports to create these drawings and collect them in a sketchbook/portfolio.

This project supports skill building and  connects Early American History themes such as Mr. Audubon (explorer/artist)  and his work regarding the birds and wild life of early North America. These drawing were then transferred to soft printing plates using a wooden pencil. Plates were printed with water base wood block ink. Students learned to sign and number their prints and artist's proofs.

Decorative Skull Drawings

 While connecting to World Studies standards for 6th grade this lesson also allows students to develop their drawing and design skills. Using handouts, drawings from their sketchbook's and table resource images as well as classroom discussion students draw a basic human skull. Taking inspiration from the Day of the Dead celebrations of Mexico, students add color, pattern and details to personalize their drawing. Works are done on black paper with color pencil, metallic color pencils, crayons, construction paper crayons and metallic crayons.

 

How to Doodle



6th grade students were introduced to the world of doodling and Zen doodling. Using a series of handouts and direct drawing prompts they created a dozen different textures, patterns and or designs in their sketchbooks. This exercise was used as a warm-up for several classes and provides a foundation for the next couple of projects. I found that so many of our students either don't know how to doodle or are afraid they will doodle "wrong" or make a mistake. I shared with them that doodling is about freedom, no right or wrong...but there is a time and  place so don't doodle during your math lesson (or at least don't get caught).



copy of hand-out found on line used
to inspire students



Zen Doodling/Zentangle is more formal and structured approach to the doodle but their site provides a lot of fun creative direct drawing prompts and promotes the healthy meditative benefits of doodling . Check it out or google zentangle to see some youtube tutorials on the craft



http://www.zentangle.com/

My Sketchbook

Sixth graders start out the art year making their own sketchbook. This will be used for warm-up art exercises, ideas and provide work space to sketch ideas for the entire year. They must have their complete name, classroom number, the word sketchbook and part or all of their hand as the cover design.  Color choices, patterns and design elements are all their own expression.