This lesson was a big one for us, as it took 3 art classes to complete. We spent the first class discussing the human figure in action. We discussed how each part of our body is used to create almost any action. Then the children took turns modeling in some pose related to an outdoor activity. By folding a sheet of newsprint into 8 sections, we could easily sketch one figure in each section .
We also discussed how these were not portraits, just figure studies. No one had to model, but almost everyone wanted to. We did quick sketches, just showing the main movements. With only a few minutes remaining in class, they were given the final paper (grey bogus) and invited to begin drawing the larger action figures.
The second class focused on the criteria for the lesson as not much was accomplished in the first period. Those finished with the figures were asked to create backgrounds that related to a Chicago winter. I stressed that they needed to press down to develop a heavy layer of crayon.
The final week was a time to finish the crayon application and paint with a watercolor wash. In the final minutes, they used white tempera to create a sense of snow.
Below are 2 samples of student work.
Jasmine
Return to the ARMY TRAIL art room