LOVELY LOONS – Line, Pattern, Balance

Students will be able to:

• create a picture of a loon using watercolour pencil techniques;
• use size and placement of shapes to create a balanced composition;
• use line and colour to create a variety of patterns;
• demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity; 
• support their ideas with evidence found in the works.

Have students:

• research several illustrators;
• use a sketchbook to explore different ways to use watercolour pencils inspired by the illustrators;
• create a personal style inspired by the illustrators;
• write a story on a theme of their own choosing;
• illustrate their story using watercolour pencils;
• bind the story together into a book using the Creating a Simple Bound Book lesson plan available on this website;
• write an artist statement to explain their process; (Downloads - WriteArtistStatement.pdf)
• create a mini display of their book, explorations and artist statement.

1. Prior to this lesson have students explore watercolour pencils using the Exploring Watercolour Pencils lesson plan available on this website.
2. Download images of loons from the Internet, for example,
   Haliburton Loon
   Pacific Loon
   Common Loons
   Glacier Loons
3. Teach about the characteristics, habitat and habits of loons.
4. Display, and make available, a variety of loon books for students to read, for example, The Loon's Necklace, by William Toye, and Elizabeth Cleaver; Mwakwa Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children, by Dale Auge; Loon, by Susan Vande Griek, and Karen Reczuch; Little Loon and Papa, by Toni Buzzeo, and Margaret Spengler; and The Legend of the Loon, by Kathy-jo Wargin, Kathy Jo Wargin, and K. L. Darnell.
5.  Include some prompt cards to encourage students to examine the illustrations as they read the books. (Downloads - LoonPrompts.pdf)
6. Download and display the Repetition, Balance, Line and Colour posters available on this website.
    

1. Choose a loon story to read to your students.
2. Note how the illustrator uses colour, pattern and shape to communicate a message.
3. Look at the composition of the pictures,
   - the placement of figures to create balance
   - the use of repetition to create pattern
   - the use of colour
4. View several images of loons and compare the picture book illustrations with the photographs.
5. Look for repeated lines and shapes in the images.
6. Introduce the challenge

1. Once all the paintings are complete display them for a group discussion.
2. Remind students of the challenge.
   - Look closely at the drawings.
   - Choose one that interests you for some reason.
   - Share thoughts about the work
3. During the discussion include references to:
   - watercolour pencil techniques – how different techniques add interest to the painting
   - pattern – how repetition of colour and line create patterns 
   - balance – how the placement and size of objects creates visual balance

1. Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting.
2. Observe students as they discuss their paintings – speaks with a clear voice, looks at audience while speaking, points to areas in the painting, provides accurate information, answers questions from the audience effectively.
3. Observe students as they listen – looks at presenter, asks effective questions, supports ideas with evidence found in the artwork.
4. Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - LovelyLoons_tracking.pdf)
5. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Downloads - LovelyLoons_PrimarySelf-assessment.pdf, or LovelyLoons_self-assessment.pdf)