Submitted by: Veronica Aguirre, South Middle School, Salina, Kansas
UNIT: Drawing - Hands
Lesson: Expressive Contour Hands Drawing
Grade Level: Middle School (examples are 8th grade)
Time: 2 to 3 weeks - 45 minute classes

Click images for larger views

OBJECTIVES (learner outcomes)

Students will learn and participate in contour drawings. They will learn to carefully observe details and draw what they see. Students will gain knowledge about the elements of design, mainly line, but also about balance and space. They will also be introduced to some principles of design such as movement, pattern and unity.

STATE OR NATIONAL LEARNING STANDARDS

Kansas Curricular Standards for Visual Arts

Standard #1 – Applying media techniques and processes

Standard #2 – Using knowledge of structures and functions

Standard # 3 – Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.

MATERIALS

6x9 Sketch Paper Pencils 12x18 White Drawing Paper
Black Fine tipped Sharpies Rulers Heavy Weight Colored Paper
Glue Tag board Erasers
Scissors Colored Pencils Elements Handout
Art slides with line usage Masking Tape Expressive Contour Hands Guideline
Graphite paper/ Charcoal /Black Chalk Examples of contour drawings

TEACHING / LEARNER ACTIVITIES

First week:

* Talk about line – it is an element of design – do line activities that involve using a variety of line – explain line quality – means thickness and thinness of lines
* examples of artwork from artists that make use of line – Leonardo – Picasso - Matisse - explain their style
* Introduce movement – have a sketchbook or journal assignment that incorporates movement - tie it in with a line activity
* Talk about contour drawings – have examples up and ready to show - give definition – explain there are different kinds of contour drawings – continuous line, blind-contour drawings
* Students will start doing contour drawings of objects around the room – give demonstration – draw what you see – observe – Explain that hand-eye communication is important
* Have one day devoted to regular contour drawings, then one day doing continuous line drawings – then one day doing blind contour drawings – this can be fun and challenging for students
* Introduce balance – Talk about the three types – Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, Radial balance – Do activity involving balance

TEACHING / LEARNER ACTIVITIES cont.

Week 2 on to 3:

* Introduce Unity – talk about how all artwork should strive for Unity and that it is one of the Principles of Designs
* Introduce the Expressive Contour Hands project – Go through Project Guidelines with class
* Introduce Space – Element of Design – make sure they understand the difference between positive and negative space
* Each Step can be done on different days – explain how each step incorporates elements/principles they’ve talked about.
* Critique student work. Students write a reflection piece about their drawing. Look at examples of the Hands in art (see this lesson page for examples)

RELATED AND/OR EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Explain how to rub and transfer their contour drawings of hands onto colored paper

DO Not allow them to use simple, flat hand gestures – They need to be EXPRESSIVE
* You could even do sign language hand gestures

Spend time talking about the background – balance, space, unity

CLOSURE (summary, wrap-up, set for next lesson)

Have students fill out Self-Assessment Rubric

Quiz on Unit over elements and principles of design

ACCOMMODATIONS / MODIFICATIONS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS (Second language, LD, gifted, etc.)

One on one clarification – handouts – visual guides – lots of demonstrations

Assessment Rubric: (see file)