AT MY WINDOW – Space, Colour, Composition

Students will be able to:

1. Create a picture of an imaginary bird at their window using crayon techniques;
2. Use contrast to create emphasis and the illusion of depth;
3. Create a composition that clearly shows outside and inside;
4. Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity; and
5. Support their ideas with evidence found in the works.

1. Students work in their sketchbooks to explore different ways to use crayons to create texture and shadows.

1. Prior to this lesson have students experiment with crayon techniques in their sketchbooks.
   Crayon Techniques
2. Download images from the internet, or find images in books or magazines of a variety of birds.
   Bird
   Cuckoo
   Trogon
   Woodpecker
3. Gather images of artist's paintings featuring a view from a window. For example,
   Krohg
   Martinus
   Maes
   Sunnerberg
   Badger

1. Have students look at a variety of bird pictures to find some common characteristics.
2. Make a list of characteristics of most birds
3. Look at the composition of the pictures, the placement of figures, for example, and the use of detail and colour to show the difference between inside and outside.
4. Introduce the challenge

1. Once all the drawings are complete display them for a group discussion. Remind students of the challenge.
   - Look closely at the drawings.
   - Choose one that interests you for some reason.
   - Share thoughts about the work
2. During the discussion include references to:
   - contrast – how it has been used to create depth
   - movement – how colour and patterns get the eye to travel through the whole space
   - technique – how have different techniques been used to create the sense of space

1. Observe students as they work  – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
2. Observe students as they discuss the art works – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
3. Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - WINDOW_tracking.pdf)
4. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Downloads - WINDOW-assessment.pdf)