Published by:

Library Tales Publishing, Inc.

www.LibraryTalesPublishing.com

www.Facebook.com/LibraryTalesPublishing

Copyright © 2013 by Catherine V. Holmes

Published by Library Tales Publishing, Inc., New York, New York

Table of Contents

Foreward

The Author’s Statement

Chapter 1: JANUARY

Baby New Year

Party Horn

Pocket Watch

Calendar Page

Chinese New Year

Clock Face

Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day

Chapter 2

FEBRUARY

Barbed Wire Heart

Bow and Arrow

Box of Chocolates

Carton Cupid

Chain Link Heart Box

Ground Hog Day

Human Heart

Presidents Day

Rose Bud and Rose in Bloom

Scroll and Rose

Super Bowl

Love Swans

Chapter 3

MARCH

Daylight Saving Time

Four Leaf Clover

Leprechaun Anime

Lucky Horseshoe

Pot O’Gold

March Madness

Chapter 4

APRIL

April Fools Day

Arbor Day Tree

Cute Easter Stuff

Easter Sunday

Easter Eggs

Easter Bunny

Bunny Rabbit

Baseball Season

Marathon Monday Silhouette

Boston Strong Ribbon

April Showers Umbrella

Water Puddle

Earth Day

Hands with Earth

Recycle

Passover

Patriot’s Day

Chapter 5

MAY

Cinco De Mayo

Daffodil, Lily and Tulip

Memorial Day

Monarch Butterfly

Mother’s Day Card

Mother’s Day Gesture Drawing

National Armed Forces Day

National Nurse’s Week

Simple Spring Tulip

Watering Can

Chapter 6

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST

Father’s Day

Flag Day

Summer Vacation

Declaration of Independence

Carousel Horse

Crab

Fireworks

Fly a Kite

Friendship Day - Holding Hands

Soft Serve Ice Cream Sugar Cone

Ice Cream Waffle Cone

Dave’s Sailboat

Lobster

National Dog Day

National Sisters Day

National Parent’s Day

Patriotic Letters

Salt Water Taffy

Scallop Shell

Summer Fair

Sun Hat Lady

Tall Drink of Water

National Watermelon Day

Chapter 7

SEPTEMBER

9-11 Remember Ribbon

Acorn

Back to School

Classical Music Month

Grandparents Day

Labor Day

Rosh Hashanah

Yom Kippur

School Bus

Rosie the Riveter

Chapter 8

OCTOBER

Autumn Leaf

Columbus Day

Draw Something Wicked

Drip Lettering

Ghost Cat

Halloween Creatures

Halloween Silhouettes

Ice Hockey Season

Hooded Figure

Hooded Skull

Jack O’Lantern

National Cat Day

Spooky Owl

World Vegetarian Day

Chapter 9

NOVEMBER

Dia De Muertos

Election Day

Plymouth Rock with Shading

Pumpkin

Pumpkin with Focal Point

Roasted Turkey

Turkey

Veterans Day

Chapter 10

DECEMBER

Angel Wings

Angel

Christmas Barn

Christmas Candle

Christmas Goodies

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Tree

Milk and Cookies for Santa

Elf on Shelf

Hanukkah Goodies

Hanukkah Menorah

Holiday Horse

The Impossible Star of David

Jolly Cartoon Santa

Kwanzaa

Nativity Scene

Pop-Up Greeting Cards

Santa Illustration

Simple Snowflake

Spig of Holly

New Year’s Eve

Chapter 11

EVENTS

Baby Shower

Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah

Birthday Cake

3D Cake Number Candle

New Home

New Pet

Party Time

The Graduate

Graduation

Wedding Anniversary

Wedding Bouqet

Vintage Style Wedding Cake Topper

Wedding Rings

Zodiac Symbols

Let your awesome inner artist shine

DEDICATION

To my favorite future artists, Charlotte Virginia and Taya Catherine. Everything you make is beautiful.

FOREWORD

Welcome to “How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events”; a step-by-step drawing guide that illustrates some of the most popular celebrations and experiences in our lives. By having this book in your possession, you are one step closer to exploring and drawing the traditional (and not-so-traditional) images of various festivals and observing the multiple perspectives these celebrations have to offer. There is a chapter for each month of the year, which includes a sampling of the holidays or seasonal images that happen during that time period, followed by an events chapter that focuses on some of the major occasions that can be celebrated.

How to use this book

This book is meant to provide challenges to artists of all levels; a tutorial for beginning artists, a guide for the intermediate artist, and inspiration for those who are advanced. The tutorials offered in this book are presented in a simple step-by-step format that start with a series of numbered tasks, beginning with showing artists how to recognize the basic shape of an object. Creating images using basic shapes simplifies the process of drawing while helping the artist to show height, width and depth in their work. Step one indicates the simplest way to begin drawing a particular image (usually with an uncomplicated geometric shape), while the last step shows the completed image (usually a series of connected shapes that are shaded in). The steps in between the first and last step break down the process of building that final image into easy-to-follow commands.

While many artists need to view and follow every step of a tutorial provided in order to find success, some artists may not need to pursue each direction offered in order to draw their image. Some artists need the structure of viewing each portion of the image as it is being constructed, while others might find going through each step tedious and unnecessary. Every artist is different. Break down the lessons to be as simple as possible for you. If you believe that some of the steps are too generic or simplified, feel free to skip over those parts and start wherever you are comfortable. If you find yourself struggling, go back and peruse any steps you may have skipped over. Find the balance that is right for you and use whatever method necessary in order to accomplish your desired end result.

When following the tutorials to create a specific image, there are a few tips to follow to ensure a successful product:

• If you are a beginning artist, try not to skip any of the steps provided in each tutorial. It might appear faster to do so, but it can be far more frustrating. Please, follow the sequence in order to achieve the best result.

• Draw lightly. Once the basic outline is sketched, then lines can be made darker and more permanent. With a lighter hand, erasing becomes easier and fewer papers are crumpled up and thrown away. Many of the steps in each tutorial start off using guidelines that will eventually be erased, so using lighter marks is crucial in this process.

• Many artists try to recreate an exact replica of the image they are copying. For the sake of being original, your artwork should not look exactly like the one in the book. Try to make your artwork different from the images shown by adding “extras” and more details. This makes each drawing unique and personal.

• If a drawing seems to be too difficult or you are spending too much time on it without success, step away from it for a while. Taking breaks will allow you to come back to the work with a fresh perspective.

• If a lesson appears overwhelming with all of the lines and shapes and steps involved, try covering all of the steps in the tutorial except for the one you are currently working on. After you have completed that step, uncover the next and work on that. By blocking out the steps you are not working on, the artwork becomes less challenging to attempt. Continue uncovering each step one by one and adding to your artwork until it is complete. It is a simple tactic, but it works by getting you to focus on just one action at a time.

• With a bit of time and effort, you can draw anything. Creating art is a process and you should not expect your drawing to be instantly amazing. Begin with the first step and simply build on it from there. A good work of art takes diligence, so don’t hurry through the process. Patience is necessary. Don’t rush, take your time and practice patience. Look at your artwork and figure out the lines that work and the lines that don’t, then change them as needed. Step away and take breaks as needed.

• This book provides specific information on how to draw an image from a particular point of view. The advanced artist may want to challenge themselves by changing an image to suit their personal desired outcomes or take their art to the next level by combining images to make a unique creation.

Notes about shading

Some of these tutorials touch upon how to shade a completed image so that it appears to have shadow and depth, while other individual lessons do not discuss how this process is done. How to Draw Cool Stuff: Shading, Textures and Optical Illusions (book number two in the How to Draw Cool Stuff series) is a good resource for learning how to shade. The details of how to shade realistically using pencil pressure, light sources, highlights, mid tones, cast shadows, etc. are all discussed in book two. Please understand that while some of the tutorials in this book provide a brief explanation of the shading process, these lessons are focused more upon how to draw specific items. The shading, coloring, and ultimately completion of images is up to the discretion of the artist.

Like anything in life, the more you practice your art, the better your skills and knowledge will be.

Use this book to get ideas, try new techniques and celebrate images from the world around you. “How to Draw Cool Stuff” can help to guide you through the creative thought process and provide plenty of ideas to get you started, but don’t limit yourself to the confines of the book. Check out the lessons offered, take what you like from them, then expand them into an idea that works for you. There are millions of cool things to draw out there and only a sampling can be found within these pages. The best cool stuff can be found in your imagination!

THE AUTHOR’S STATEMENT

“How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events” is the third book in the “How to Draw Cool Stuff Series”.

This book serves as a step-by-step guide to drawing images and illustrations associated with many of the popular (and some not-so-common) holidays, events and seasons observed in the United States of America. After much research, I have tried to include illustrations representing the all of the major holidays marked on our calendars. From the traditional to the bizarre, people will celebrate just about anything. Everyone has a specific day that they cherish or celebrate on a yearly basis. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or national holiday, the variety of days that can be honored are simply endless.

The illustrations in this book are images that come to my mind when I think of that particular event. Someone else might have a very different idea of what those occasions should look like. Indeed, everyone has their own idea of what a certain holiday should look like. I am not here to convince you that my chosen image is the right one. If the images presented in this book don’t work with your perceived image, create something that does or use the ones that do work for you. Different creative ideas offer a perspective of the world that we might not normally see, opening the door to acceptance and growth. These differences make us unique as our experiences shape us in vastly different ways. We do not all think the same way and believe in the same things, which is an important part of being an individual. There are also many things we have in common which connect us as human beings. A considerable deal of these are celebrations. Great art offers a respect of others’ beliefs, opinions, and thoughts. I hope that this book will encourage you to engage and participate in the many celebrations our world has to offer as you explore and draw the images within.

The making of this book was a very educational experience for me. The creation of “How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events” has opened my eyes to the vast amount of festivities that we humans take part in. There are celebrations that I never knew existed. Creating this book has helped me to gain knowledge about a variety of important festivities throughout the world and given me a renewed respect and appreciation for my own culture and heritage.

I have tried to incorporate the many cherished (and a few ridiculous) observances that we have created in one comprehensive guide. After analyzing calendar days, exploring celebrations and perusing wacky holiday social media posts, I still may have missed a festivity or two. Please enjoy the holidays that I have presented and forgive me if one of the happenings that you celebrate is not mentioned.

BABY NEW YEAR

Know:

Foreshortening, Geometric Shapes, Guidelines, Point of View, Sketchy Lines

Understand:

• The importance of drawing lightly when beginning a drawing.

• Proportions and foreshortening.

• Connecting simple geometric shapes to create the appearance of complex forms.

Do:

Using the tutorial provided, create a not-so-typical view of Baby New Year. Begin lightly drawing geometric shapes as shown and connect them to resemble the outline of a baby. Add details and erase guidelines as instructed while keeping all of the lines light. Finally, add shading and accessories to create an original representation.

Baby New Year is a personification of the start of the New Year. He symbolizes the “birth” of the next year and the “passing” of the prior. Baby New Year’s purpose varies by myth, but he generally performs some sort of ceremonial duty over the course of his year, such as chronicling the year’s events or presiding over the year as a symbol. The stereotypical representation of Baby New Year is a baby boy wearing nothing more than a diaper, a top hat and a sash across his torso that shows the year he is representing.

Vocabulary:

Foreshortening – A way of representing a subject or an object so that it conveys the illusion of depth so that it seems to thrust forward or go back into space.

Geometric Shapes – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Point of View – A position or angle from which something is observed or considered, and the direction of the viewer’s gaze; a standpoint which is either a physical location or one in the mind.

Sketchy Lines - Quickly drawn light lines that loosely capture the appearance or action of a place or situation.

PARTY HORN

Know:

Cone, Ellipse, Perspective, Vertical

Understand:

• The cone is one of the four basic forms that appears in nature and man-made objects.

• There are several ways to draw a realistic looking cone.

Do: Create a party horn using the techniques shown.

Vocabulary:

Cone – A three-dimensional form having a surface created by a straight line (the side length) that tapers smoothly from a base to a point called the apex or vertex.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Vertical - The direction going straight up and down; the opposite of (or perpendicular to) horizontal. Any orientation neither vertical nor horizontal is diagonal.

POCKET WATCH

Know:

Angle, Balance, Pattern, Perspective, Repetition, Roman Numerals

Understand:

Placing simple geometric shapes in a specific pattern or at an angle can add to the realism and detail of an object as well as create interest and the illusion of depth.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create a detailed “open” pocket watch based on simple geometric shape guidelines.

• Using numbers or Roman Numerals, balance those numbers equally and in sequence around the clock face (i.e. #12 is 180 degrees from the #6).

• Use learned 3D techniques which concentrate on perspective to convey the illusion of depth. Students will also consider size, position, detail and hue.

Vocabulary:

Angle - The figure formed by two planes diverging from a common line. “Angle” can refer to the space between such lines or surfaces, and it can also refer to a direction or point of view.

Perspective – The technique used to create the illusion of 3D onto a 2D surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Roman Numerals - The numeric system in ancient Rome, uses combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to signify values.

CALENDAR PAGE

Know: Calendar, Curve, Guideline, Negative Space

Understand:

• Viewing and drawing negative space in an artwork can help determine the shape of the positive space.

• How to indicate the passing of time in a simple image.

Do: Using angles, curves and shading, follow the steps provided to create a turning calendar page.

NOTES: When drawing from life, observe the object you want to draw and determine what basic shapes/forms are needed to render the object.

Vocabulary:

Calendar - System of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months  and years. A date is the designation of a single, specific day within such a system. Periods in a calendar (such as years and months) are usually, though not necessarily, synchronized with the cycle of the sun or the moon. Many civilizations and societies have devised a calendar, usually derived from other calendars on which they model their systems, suited to their particular needs.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Negative Space - Empty space or void in an artwork.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Know: Contour Lines, Overlapping, Pattern, Stylize

Understand:

• How to start with a simple spiral line and build on it until it becomes a unique artwork representing a dragon.

• Adding contour lines by “wrapping” them around tubes gives the appearance of 3D form.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create a stylized dragon.

• Use pattern and contour lines to show detail and form.

• Shade or color as desired.

Chinese Lunar New Year is a festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional Chinese calendar. The first day of the New Year falls on the new moon between January 21st and February 20th. According to legend, the beginning of the Chinese New Year started with a mythical beast called Nian who would eat people. To protect themselves, the people would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year in hopes that Nian would eat the food instead of the people. They would also wear red clothes, and hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors because they learned that Nian was afraid of the color red. From then on, Nian never came to the village again. Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets containing money are passed out during the Chinese New Year’s celebrations.

Vocabulary:

Contour Lines – The outline or inner detail lines of an object that show form.

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines or colors in a design.

Stylize - To alter natural shapes, forms, colors, or textures in order to make a representation in a preset style or manner, rather than according to nature or tradition.

CLOCK FACE WITH ROMAN NUMERALS

Know: Balance, Curve, Pattern, Roman Numerals

Understand:

Curving elements of a design around an object in a specific pattern can create a harmonious design.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create a clock face indicating the time of 12:00.

• Using numbers or Roman Numerals, balance those numbers equally and in sequence around the clock face (i.e. #12 is 180 degrees from the #6), curving them around in a specific pattern.

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve (also known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day in many countries), the last day of the year, is on December 31. The old year ends when the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink and watch or light fireworks to mark the new year. The celebrations generally go on past midnight into January 1 (New Year’s Day).

Vocabulary:

Balance - A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Roman Numerals - The numeric system in ancient Rome, uses combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to signify values.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Know: Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Negative Space, Simplify

Understand:

• Viewing and drawing negative space in an artwork can help determine the shape of the positive space.

• How to create a likeness using simple shapes to interpret facial features.

Do: Using the tutorial provided, block out shapes on an oval form to resemble facial features. The goal is not to create a realistic artwork, but rather to make a simplified likeness.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15th. King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. “I Have a Dream” is one of King’s most known public speeches in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character, especially an image made by or for printmaking and digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Negative Space - Empty space or void in an artwork.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Month: National Bath Safety Month, National Blood Donor Month, National Braille Literacy Month, National Hobby Month, National Oatmeal Month, National Soup Month

Week Celebrations:

The 2nd Week of January is Letter Writing Week

Special Days in January: New Year’s Day, Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day, Festival of Sleep Day, Fruitcake Toss Day, Humiliation Day, Trivia Day, Bean Day, Cuddle Up Day, Old Rock Day, Bubble Bath Day, Male Watcher’s Day, Play God Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, Peculiar People Day, Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day, Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day, National Pharmacist Day, International Skeptics Day, Make Your Dream Come True Day, Dress Up Your Pet Day, National Hat Day, Appreciate a Dragon Day, National Nothing Day, Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day, Thesaurus Day, Winnie the Pooh Day (the birthday of Winnie’s author A.A. Milne), National Popcorn Day, National Butter-crunch Day, National Hugging Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day, National Blonde Brownie Day, National Pie Day, National Handwriting Day, Measure Your Feet Day, Beer Can Appreciation Day, Compliment Day, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (last Monday of the month), Opposite Day, Spouse’s Day, Punch the Clock Day, Fun at Work Day, National Kazoo Day, National Cornchip Day, National Inane Answering Message Day, Backward Day, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Barbed Wire Heart

Know: Connecting a few simple geometric shapes can create a more complex object.

Understand:

Using overlapping techniques can help create the illusion of form in an object.

Do: Create an original heart drawing “wrapped” in barbed wire. Use curved, overlapping lines to give the illusion of three dimensional form and depth.

A heart shape is a symbol of love. Barbed wire is a symbol to keep something in or out (as used on property fences). Put them together to create a “protected heart” design.

Vocabulary:

Form – An element of art that is three-dimensional (height, width, and depth) and encloses volume.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth. (Other means include varying sizes and placement on a receding plane, along with linear and aerial perspective).

BOW AND ARROW

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Overlapping

Understand:

• Characteristics of a bow and arrow.

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create a bow and arrow drawing. Add lots of “extra’s” to make it unique.

The bow and arrow is a projectile weapon system that predates recorded history and is common to most cultures. Archery is the art, practice or skill of applying it. Cupid, the god of desire, love, attraction and affection, uses a bow and arrow to wield his power. Cupid carries two kinds of arrows, one with a sharp golden point, and the other with a blunt tip of lead. A person wounded by the golden arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire, but the one struck by the lead feels aversion and desires only to flee.

Vocabulary:

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Quiver - A container for arrows, bolts, or darts.

BOX OF CHOCOLATES

Know:

Guideline, Overlap, Perspective, Three Dimensional (3D)

Understand:

• Simple shapes and lines combined together can create more complex objects.

• How to add depth and interest to a drawn object.

Do:

Using 3D techniques, create a realistic heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Chocolate has been given as a gift on Valentine’s Day since the holiday has become more commercialized in America. The ingredients in chocolate contain an endorphin called phenylethylamine, which has been linked to falling in love. Chocolate has been used as a gift since the days of the Aztecs, who believed it to be a source of spiritual wisdom and energy.

Vocabulary:

Guideline – A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing.

Overlap – When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Perspective - The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.

Three Dimensional (3D) - Having, or appearing to have, height, width, and depth.

CARTOON CUPID

Know:

Cartoon, Exaggerating Features

Understand:

• Characteristics of a cartoon.

• How to simplify and exaggerate a figure.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create an original Cupid cartoon character. Add lots of “extra’s” to make it unique.

In classical mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus, and is known in Latin also as Amor (“Love”). His Greek counterpart is Eros.

Valentine’s Day would not be complete without Cupid, the most recognized symbol of love. It is said that if Cupid shoots his arrow of love and it hits someone, that person will fall helplessly and madly in love with the next person they meet.

Vocabulary:

Cartoon – A form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a typically non-realistic or semi-realistic drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor, or to the artistic style of such works. An artist who creates cartoons is called a cartoonist.

Exaggerate – Overstate, embellish; enlarge or shrink in size.

CHAIN LINK HEART LOCK

Know:

Overlapping, Pattern, Repetition

Understand:

• The elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner.

• How to create the appearance of interlocking forms by using overlapping techniques and shading.

Do:

• Create a realistic chain of interlocking links using the tips and tricks provided.

• Loop a unique shape (such as the heart shown) through the links as a “lock” fixture.

• Shade.

• Erase some areas on each link to create a metallic “shine” effect.

Vocabulary:

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines or colors.

Repetition – A way of combining elements of art so that the same elements are used over and over again.

GROUND HOG DAY

Know: Geometric Shapes, Overlapping, Texture

Understand:

• Groundhog folklore.

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

Do: Follow the steps provided to create a groundhog drawing. Use short dashed lines to create a “fuzzy” texture. Add lots of “extra’s” to make it unique.

Extra credit for drawing the groundhog’s shadow!

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and he does not see his shadow, then spring will come early. If it is sunny on this day, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will persist for six more weeks.

Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow.

Vocabulary:

Overlapping - When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Texture - The surface quality or “feel” of an object. Textures may be actual or simulated. Actual textures can be felt with the fingers, while simulated textures are suggested by an artist in an artwork.

HUMAN HEART

Know:

The human heart is a muscle that sends blood around your body, giving it the oxygen it needs. The average human heart pumps about 70 milliliters of blood body with every beat. That’s about 5 liters every minute or about 7,200 liters every day.

Understand: The major parts of the human heart.

Do: Students will draw their own “non traditional” Valentine heart and label the major parts.

NOTE:

• There are many different angles and views of the human heart. This is just one of them!

• If you choose to draw this and send it to someone in place of a traditional Valentine, make sure the recipient has a good sense of humor!

Vocabulary:

Heart – A muscular organ about the size of a closed fist that lies left of the chest and functions as the body’s circulatory pump.

Inferior vena cava – The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body into the right atrium of the heart, also known as the posterior vena cava.

Left atrium – One of four chambers in the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle via the mitral valve.

Pulmonary artery – Carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary veins - Large blood vessels that receive oxygenated blood from the lungs and drain into the left atrium of the heart. There are four pulmonary veins; two from each lung.

Right atrium - One of four chambers in the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood and pumps it into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.

Right/Left ventricle – One of two large chambers that collect and expel blood received from an atrium towards the peripheral beds within the body and lungs.

Superior vena cava – Vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart’s right atrium.

PRESIDENTS DAY

Know: Geometric Shapes, Simplifying objects

Understand:

• Characteristics of the United States mainland.

• Looking at a detailed object in small sections can make it easier to re-create.

Do: Follow the steps to create an outline of the United States mainland in honor of Presidents Day. Embellish with shading, color or designs.

Washington’s Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Colloquially, it is widely known as Presidents Day and is often an occasion to remember all the presidents, not just George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February. The term “Presidents Day” was coined in a deliberately attempt to change the holiday into one honoring multiple presidents.

The day is also a state holiday in most states with official names including Presidents’ Day, President’s Day and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday might celebrate officially Washington alone, Washington and Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents. Some states celebrate Washington and the third president Thomas Jefferson but not Lincoln.

NOTE: The lines and curves used to create the mainland shown in this tutorial are not exact – they offer a general outline of the shape of the United States. Simplified outlines are often used in art so the viewer can understand what is seen without the need for extreme detail.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shapes – Any shape having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry including circles, ovals, triangles, rectangles, and squares.

The United States of America (USA) - A federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. The 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are in central North America between Canada and Mexico. The state of Alaska is located in the northwestern part of North America and the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific.

ROSE BUD AND ROSE IN BLOOM

Know:

Geometric Shape, Organic Shape

Understand:

• Combining geometric and organic shapes in nature.

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can aid in the creation of complex (organic) object.

• High contrast shading gives the appearance of form and 3D.

Do:

Create an original artwork of a rosebud or a rose in bloom using the techniques provided.

The history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers. Today, people continue to send flowers on special occasions or to express sentiments of love and admiration. The rose is the traditional Valentine’s Day flower, as it signifies romantic love.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shape – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines.

Organic Shape – An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a mechanical or angular shape.

Scroll and Rose

Know:

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

• Curving lines indicate perspective via overlapping.

Understand:

• Overlapping and differences in the size of objects in a scene help to achieve the illusion of depth.

• High contrast shading gives the appearance of form and 3D.

Do: Follow the steps on the handout provided to create your own version of a banner wrapping around a rose blossom. Add a message on the banner and shade.

Vocabulary:

High Contrast Shading – A large difference between dark and light values in an artwork (fewer mid-tones).

Organic Shape – An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a mechanical or angular shape.

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

SUPER BOWL

Know:

Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

Understand:

• Small changes/additions to basic shapes can help to create specific recognizable images.

• The difference between shape and form.

• Shading and patterns can help turn shapes into forms.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create a simplified version of the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy or a football.

The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year.

American football is a sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with control of the oval-shaped football, attempts to advance down the field by running with or passing the ball, while the team without control of the ball, the defense, aims to stop their advance and take control of the ball for themselves. The offense must advance at least ten yards in four downs, or plays, or else they turn over the football to the opposing team; if they succeed, they are given a new set of four downs. Points are primarily scored by advancing the ball into the opposing team’s end zone for a touchdown or kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts for a field goal. The team with the most points at the end of a game wins. Football Season begins around the month of September and ends in January/February.

Vocabulary:

Form – A three-dimensional shape (height, width, and depth) that encloses volume.

Shape - An enclosed space.

Volume - Refers to the space within a form.

Love Swans

Know:

Perfect symmetry is rarely found in nature.

Understand:

Mirror symmetry is when the parts of an image or object are organized so that one side duplicates (mirrors) the other.

Do: Create an art work of swans that explores mirror image symmetry by following the tips provided. Try to form the shape of a heart in the indicated negative space with the swan necks.

The swan is sometimes used as a symbol of love and relationships. Swans pair together for years in relationships that are sometimes sustained for a lifetime.

Vocabulary:

Mirror Symmetry - The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other. Also known as formal balance, its opposite is asymmetry — asymmetrical balance.

Symmetry is among the ten classes of patterns.

Month: An Affair to Remember Month, Black History Month, Canned Food Month, Creative Romance Month, Great American Pie Month, National Cherry Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, National Grapefruit Month, National Weddings Month

Week Celebrations:

The 3rd Week of February is International Flirting Week

Special Days in February: National Freedom Day, Ground Hog Day, Create a Vacuum Day, Thank a Mailman Day, National Weatherman’s Day, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (first Saturday of month), Lame Duck Day, Send a Card to a Friend Day, Superbowl Sunday (date varies), Boy Scout Day (celebrates the birthday of scouting), Chinese New Year (date varies), Clean out Your Computer Day (second Monday of Month), Kite Flying Day, Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday (date varies), Toothache Day, Ash Wednesday (date varies), Don’t Cry over Spilled Milk Day, Make a Friend Day, White T-Shirt Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, Plum Pudding Day, Get a Different Name Day, Ferris Wheel Day, National Organ Donor Day, Candlemas Day, National Gum Drop Day, President’s Day (third Monday of month), Singles Awareness Day, Do a Grouch a Favor Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, National Battery Day, National Chocolate Mint Day, Cherry Pie Day, Hoodie Hoo Day, Card Reading Day, George Washington’s Birthday, Be Humble Day, Walking the Dog Day, International World Thinking Day, International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, Tennis Day, National Tortilla Chip Day, Pistol Patent Day, Carnival Day, National Pistachio Day, Tell a Fairy Tale Day, Polar Bear Day, No Brainer Day, Floral Design Day, Oscar Night (date varies), Public Sleeping Day, National Tooth Fairy Day (and/or August 22nd), Leap Day (a 29th day added to the month once every four years).

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Know:

Radial Balance, Symmetry, Time Zone

Understand:

Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

Do:

Create an old fashioned clock using geometric shapes as guides.

Daylight Saving Time is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months by one hour so that in the evening hours day light is experienced later, while sacrificing normal sunrise times. Typically, users in regions with summer time adjust clocks forward one hour close to the start of spring and adjust them backward in the autumn to standard time. Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time. In the European Union, Summer Time begins and ends at 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time). It begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. In the EU, all time zones change at the same moment.

Vocabulary:

Radial or Rotational Balance is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from or focused upon its center.

Symmetry – (or symmetrical balance) - The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other.

Time Zone - A region that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. Time zones tend to follow the boundaries of countries and their subdivisions because it is convenient for areas in close commercial or other communication to keep the same time.

FOUR LEAF CLOVER

Know:

Asymmetry, Radial Balance, Repetition, Symmetry, Uneven

Understand:

Many natural objects, including the clover are based on a circle with its design extending from (or focused upon) its center. A clover is often slightly uneven in its design and number of leaves but still holds a repetitive pattern.

Do:

Create an original clover design based on radial balance using the tips and tricks provided.

The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to tradition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. In addition, each leaf is believed to represent something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. A clover with five or six leaves are less commonly found naturally than four-leaf clovers.

Vocabulary:

Asymmetric - Not identical on both sides of a central line; not symmetrical.

Radial or Rotational Balance is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from or focused upon its center.

Repetition – The act of repeating. A repeated action, performance, production, or presentation.

Symmetry – (or symmetrical balance) The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other. Symmetry is among the ten classes of patterns.

Uneven – Irregular, varying or not uniform.

LEPRECHAUN using ANIME style

Know:

Anime, Exaggerating Features, Caricature

Understand:

• Characteristics of Anime art.

• Use of exaggeration and distortion in an artwork to create a particular style.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create an original leprechaun character using “Anime” style.

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.

The St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun is a fairy in Irish folklore. He is usually depicted as a little old man, wearing a coat and hat, who partakes in mischief. They are solitary creatures who carry a big stick called a shillelagh, which he uses to scare anyone who tries to steal his gold. He spends his time making and mending shoes and searching for a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Vocabulary:

Anime - Japanese style of animation, often exaggerating facial features on a character. The term is borrowed from the French word for animation and blends traditional Japanese woodblock style prints with American-style character design.

Caricature – A representation in which the subject’s distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.

Distortion – To change the way something looks — sometimes deforming or stretching an object or figure out of its normal shape to exaggerate the features.

Exaggerate – Overstate, embellish; enlarge or shrink in size.

LUCKY HORSESHOE

Know:

Blend, Perspective, Receding lines, Shading

Understand:

• How to create the illusion of shadows and light in a drawing.

• Receding lines create straight edges that appear to go back into space.

Do:

Use the steps provided to create a horseshoe design. Add “extra’s” like roses or a lucky star to create interest.

Superstitious Horseshoes . . . The horseshoe is considered very lucky and used to be hung in many homes to protect and attract good fortune for the family residing inside. Some believe that to hang a horseshoe with the ends pointing upwards is good luck as it acts as a storage container for good luck. To hang it with the ends pointing downward is considered bad luck since all the good luck will fall out.

Vocabulary:

Blend – To mix marks or colors smoothly together on a surface. This is sometimes called feathering.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Receding Lines – Lines that move back or away from the foreground.

Shading - Showing change from light to dark or dark to light in a picture by darkening areas that would be shadowed and leaving other areas light. Blending of one value into another is sometimes called feathering. Shading is often used to produce illusions of dimension and depth.

Superstition - A belief not based on reason or knowledge; any blindly accepted notion.

POT O’GOLD

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Many objects (man made and natural) are based on the cylinder.

• Disks are short cylinders.

Understand:

• Using the principles of a cylinder (rounded base and an ellipse top) can create a variety of shapes when used in drawing.

Do:

Create the illusion of a 3D pot filled with “disks” of gold coins. Shade. Add “Extra’s” such as a rainbow or leprechaun.

A leprechaun is a mythical creature who is said to have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Vocabulary:

Cylinder – A tube that appears three-dimensional.

Disk – A 3D (three dimensional) oval.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle (drawn as an oval).

MARCH MADNESS

Know:

Ellipse, Line

Understand:

• Simple shapes and lines combined together can create more complex objects.

• There are many different ways to approach shading.

Do:

Create a March Madness themed artwork using the ideas provided. Try shading the basketball in sections as opposed to shading the whole thing at once with gradual tones. It is good to experiment with different approaches to shading so an artist can determine which way they like best. An artist should choose a method of drawing and shading that is comfortable and successful.

March Madness is a branding term used for the television coverage of men and women’s college basketball tournaments during the month of March. Basketball season usually begins in October and ends around the month of April.

Vocabulary:

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle (drawn as an oval).

Line - A mark with length and direction. An element of art which refers to the continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point.

Zig-Zag Line - A pattern made up of small corners at variable angles and short, sharp turns.

Month: Irish American Month, Music in Our Schools Month, National Craft Month, National Frozen Food Month, National Irish American Heritage Month (designated by Congress in 1995), National Nutrition Month, National Peanut Month, National Women’s History Month, Social Workers Month

Week Celebrations:

The 2nd Week of March is Crochet Week

Special Days in March: Ash Wednesday and Lent (date varies), National Pig Day, Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day, Old Stuff Day, I Want You to be Happy Day, If Pets Had Thumbs Day, National Anthem Day, Peach Blossom Day, Employee Appreciation Day (first Friday in March), Holy Experiment Day, Hug a G.I. Day, National Walk to Work Day, National Salesperson Day (first Friday of the month), Multiple Personality Day, Dentist’s Day, National Frozen Food Day, National Crown Roast of Pork Day, Be Nasty Day, International (Working) Women’s Day, Panic Day, Middle Name Pride Day, Popcorn Lover’s Day (second Thursday of the month), Johnny Appleseed Day, Girl Scouts Day, Ear Muff Day, Jewel Day, National Potato Chip Day, National Pi Day is March 14th (3/14) because today is 3.14 is the value of Pi), Everything You Think is Wrong Day, Ides of March, Incredible Kid Day, Dumbstruck Day, Everything You Do is Right Day, Freedom of Information Day, Submarine Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Goddess of Fertility Day, National Agriculture Day (date varies), Supreme Sacrifice Day, National Quilting Day (third Saturday of the month), Poultry Day, International Earth Day, Extraterrestrial Abductions Day, Proposal Day, Fragrance Day, National Goof Off Day, National Chip and Dip Day, Near Miss Day, National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, Good Friday (date varies), Pecan Day, Waffle Day, Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, National Spinach Day, Easter (date varies), National “Joe” Day, Dyngus Day (always the Monday after Easter), Something on a Stick Day, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day, National Doctor’s Day, I am in Control Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, Bunsen Burner Day, National Clam on the Half Shell Day

APRIL FOOLS DAY

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Jack-in-the-box, Overlapping, Pattern, Perspective

Understand:

• How to create an effective design using simple shapes.

• One way to indicate motion or action in a drawing.

Do:

Follow the steps provided and create your own version of a “Jack-in-the-box” using a coil pattern to indicate a long spring. The figure that “pops” out should be larger than the box it comes from to show a perspective from above. Try creating a cute or scary figure with designs and details to make it unique.

April Fools’ Day is celebrated every year on April 1st by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. The jokes and their victims are called April fools. Some newspapers, magazines, and other published media report fake stories, which are usually explained the next day. Although popular since the 19th century, the day is not a public holiday in any country.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shape – A shape having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry.

Jack-in-the-Box - A children’s toy that outwardly consists of a box with a crank. When the crank is turned, it plays a melody (often “Pop Goes the Weasel”). At the end of the tune there is a “surprise” as the lid pops open and a figure (usually a clown or jester) pops out of the box. Some jack-in-the-boxes open at random times when cranked, making the startle even more effective. Many which use “Pop Goes the Weasel” open at the point in the melody where the word “pop” would be if it were sung.

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines, or colors in an artwork.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project the illusion of 3D onto a 2D surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

ARBOR DAY TREE

Know:

Arbor Day, Asymmetry, Organic shape

Understand:

• Cylinders in art give the appearance of a 3D circular tube. A basic tree shape can be simplified as a cylinder.

• The “Y” Trick (branches look like the letter Y).

Do:

Create your own tree using ‘The “Y” Trick’ technique. Shade and add leaves as desired.

TIPS:

• Branches grow up and out on most trees (not down).

• Every tree is unique – no two are exactly alike.

• Trees may be similar on both sides but usually not symmetrical.

Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April; in Nebraska, it is a civic holiday. The customary observance is to plant a tree. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted.

Vocabulary:

Asymmetry – The parts of a design are organized so that one side differs from the other.

Cylinder – A tube that appears three dimensional.

Organic Shape - An irregular shape that might be found in nature. Different from geometric shapes, they are often referred to as curvilinear or free form shapes since they can be made of angles, curves or both.

Lessons from a Tree:

Stand tall and proud  Go out on a limb  Remember your roots 

Drink plenty of water  Be content with your natural beauty  Enjoy the view.

Cute Easter Stuff

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create complex objects.

• A cross section of a cone can create a vessel.

• Adding “hatch” lines to the inside of an outlined object give it form, volume and shadow.

Understand:

• The technique of “hatching” and “cross-hatching” to show shadow, texture or form in an object.

• Texture is used by artists to show how something might feel or what it is made of.

Do:

Create an artwork inspired by the objects outlined on the handout. Add “extra’s” to make it unique. Try hatching/cross-hatching detail for texture and shading.

Like rabbits and hares, eggs and chicks are often associated with Easter because, in Pagan times, they were signs of fertility and new life. The Early Christians took over the meaning of New Life because it helped them remember the Resurrection and having New Life through Jesus.

An Easter basket is a special basket used in Easter celebrations. Easter baskets are typically filled with Easter eggs, food, toys, or other gifts depending on one’s culture.

Vocabulary:

Cone – Two lines at the edge of an ellipse that eventually meet.

Hatching – A series of closely spaced parallel lines. When more lines are placed at an angle on top of those lines, it is called cross-hatching.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork.

Volume - The space within a form.

EASTER SUNDAY

Know:

Drapery, Horizontal, Overlapping, Parallel, Texture, Vertical

Understand:

• Overlapping objects in an artwork can indicate depth, add interest and aid in accurate sketching.

• How to indicate texture in an artwork.

Do:

Draw a wood-textured cross with contrasting drapery using the tutorial provided in honor of Easter Sunday.

Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a forty-day period of fasting, prayer and penance. The Christian Cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, is the best-known symbol of Christianity. The cross is a symbol of the atonement and reminds Christians of God’s love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus’ victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself. Easter and the holidays that are related to it are moveable feasts and they do not fall on a fixed date in the Gregorian or Julian calendars which follow only the cycle of the sun; rather, its date is determined on a lunisolar calendar. The Easter lily is often used as a symbol of the resurrection. For a tutorial on drawing the lily, please see “Lily” in Chapter 5.

Vocabulary:

Drapery – Coverings or hangings of fabric arranged in loose, graceful folds.

Horizontal – A right angle to vertical; flat, level, or in a prone or supine position. Vertical indicates a position or direction perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; upright.

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Parallel – Extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points and never converging or diverging.

Texture – The visual and tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used.

Easter Eggs

Know:

Taking a shape and turning in into a form by adding contour lines, pattern and shading.

Understand:

The technique of “wrapping” lines and pattern around an object so that it appears 3D.

Do:

Create an original pattern “wrapped” around a shape to create a festive holiday egg form. Try creating a basket of eggs as seen in the handout.

Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are usually hard boiled eggs decorated with dyes that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as chocolate. Eggs are a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth. In Christianity, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave and that those who believe will also experience eternal life.

An Easter egg is also a new term used when referring to an intentional inside joke, hidden message, or feature in an interactive work such as a computer program, television show, movie, etc.

Vocabulary:

Pattern - The repetition of shapes, lines, or colors in a design.

Repetition - A way of combining elements of art so that the same elements are used over and over again.

Wrap – The appearance of something curving around another object.

EASTER BUNNY

Know:

Hatching, Overlapping, Texture

Understand:

• Layering simple shapes can be the first step to creating complex forms.

• The techniques an artist uses to show how something might feel or what it is made of in an artwork.

Do:

Create an original artwork of a bunny rabbit that uses short hatch marks to indicate a “furry” texture. Shade.

Easter Day, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The bunny has become associated with the holiday through the years as it symbolizes fertility, life, death and rebirth.

Vocabulary:

Hatching – A series of closely spaced parallel lines. When more lines are placed at an angle on top of those lines, it is called cross-hatching.

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc.

Some words describing various textures include: flat, smooth, shiny, glossy, glittery, velvety, feathery, soft, wet, gooey, furry, sandy, leathery, crackled, prickly, abrasive, rough, furry, bumpy, corrugated, puffy, rusty, slimy, etc.

Bunny Rabbit

Know:

Texture

Understand:

The techniques an artist uses to show how something might feel or what it is made of in an artwork.

Do:

Create an original artwork of a bunny rabbit indicating a “furry” texture. Shade.

Vocabulary:

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc.

Some words describing various textures include: flat, smooth, shiny, glossy, glittery, velvety, feathery, soft, wet, gooey, furry, sandy, leathery, crackled, prickly, abrasive, rough, furry, bumpy, corrugated, puffy, rusty, slimy, etc.

BASEBALL SEASON

Know:

Circle, Graphic Illustration, Line art, Perspective

Understand:

Simple shapes can be combined to create complex forms.

Do:

Choose several of the items in this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a scene celebrating the start of baseball season. Use perspective and layering to create the illusion of depth.

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each who take turns batting and fielding. The offense attempts to score runs by hitting a ball that is thrown by the pitcher with a bat swung by the batter, then running counter-clockwise around a series of four bases: first, second, third, and home plate. A run is scored when a player advances around the bases and returns to home plate. Players on the batting team take turns hitting against the pitcher of the fielding team, which tries to prevent runs by getting hitters out in any of several ways. A player on the batting team who reaches a base safely can later attempt to advance to subsequent bases during teammates’ turns batting, such as on a hit or by other means. The teams switch between batting and fielding whenever the fielding team records three outs. One turn batting for both teams, beginning with the visiting team, constitutes an inning. A game comprises nine innings, and the team with the greater number of runs at the end of the game wins. Baseball is the only major team sport in America with no game clock, although almost all games end in the ninth inning.

Baseball season starts around April and ends around the month of October.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character. An image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

MARATHON MONDAY SILHOUETTE

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects

• Layering, Overlapping

• Simple steps to create a realistic human figure

• Silhouette

Understand:

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating a basic human figure.

• The basics of proportion to create a realistic human outline.

• Silhouettes are detailed outlines but have no detail on the inside – just a solid block of color.

• A silhouette can be an easy way to create an image, movement or tell a story without adding features.

Do:

Create a silhouette of a runner and race banner in honor of the Boston Marathon. Construct a proportionate human outline starting with an advanced stick figure with the basic head, torso, arms and legs then adding the width of shoulders and pelvis and the feet. Simplified forms of body parts can be added to the stick figure that focus on correct proportion, balance and pose. Finally, connect all of the body part shapes and erase the unnecessary lines inside or fill in with a solid color to create a winning runner pose.

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by several cities in Greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts, United States. It is always held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897, inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events.

Vocabulary:

Layering – To place something over another surface or object.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Proportion - The proportion relationship of one part to another in an object or the whole object with respect to size, quantity, degree or number.

Silhouette – A detailed outline filled with a solid color, typically black on a white ground, and most often for a portrait.

TIP: Your silhouette has been successfully drawn if other people can tell what it is!

BOSTON STRONG RIBBON

Know:

Overlapping, Receding Lines, Shading

Understand:

• Conveying an illusion of depth.

• Varying sizes and placement on a receding plane.

• Overlapping and shading gives the appearance of 3D.

Do:

Practice overlapping and shading by creating your own Banner/Ribbon/Scroll using the provided techniques.

Vocabulary:

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project the illusion of 3D onto a 2D surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Receding Line - Any line that appears to go back into space.

Note: “Boston Strong” is a slogan that was created as part of the reaction to the Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013. The motto stands for a united front in the face of threat.

APRIL SHOWERS UMBRELLA

Know:

Oval, Pattern, Pattern, Repetition, Texture

Understand:

• The difference between shape and form.

• How to arrange elements in an artwork so that they appear symmetrical or equally balanced.

• How to create an effective design using simple shapes.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

Do:

Follow the steps provided and create your own version of an umbrella. Begin by drawing simple geometric shapes and connecting them to create a more complex, organic shape that resembles an umbrella. Shade to indicate form. Erase areas for highlights.

EXTRA CREDIT:

Add the illusion of rain by drawing thin, diagonal dashed-lines around the umbrella to create a rainy day scene. Draw smaller dashed lines to indicate where the rain drops hit the top of the umbrella.

Vocabulary:

Repetition – A way of combining elements of art so that the same elements are used over and over again.

Oval – An egg-like two-dimensional shape that looks like a circle that has been stretched to make it longer. The two ends of an oval may or may not be the same size and shape.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines or colors.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc. Texture describes either the way a three-dimensional work actually feels when touched, or the visual “feel” of a two-dimensional work.

WATER PUDDLE

Know:

Organic Shape, Reflection, Depth

Understand:

How to create the appearance of depth when drawing organic forms.

Do:

Create an original water puddle showing depth, thickness, and reflective properties using the tips provided. Shade. Don’t forget the water droplets!

The proverb “April Showers Bring May Flowers” has been used to describe the traditionally rainy period in April that provides water to the blooming flowers of May.

Vocabulary:

Depth - The apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork. When depth refers to an object’s smallest dimension, then this distance can also be called its thickness.

Organic - An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical shape.

Reflection - The production of an image given back by a reflecting surface, such as that of a mirror or still waters.

Earth Day

Know:

Continents, Curved Lines, Sphere

Understand:

Lines and shapes drawn in a curved manner on top of a circle help to create the illusion of a sphere.

Do:

• Choose a view of the Earth to draw from the handout provided or from a globe.

• Create a drawing that appears 3D by “wrapping” the continents around the circle.

• Add details and shade.

Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22nd, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.

Vocabulary:

Continents – The seven large land masses on Earth: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia.

Curved Lines –   A line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous manner.

Sphere – A three-dimensional ball form, circular from all points of view.

HANDS WITH EARTH

Know:

Oval, Overlapping, Shading, Sphere

Understand:

• Conveying an illusion of depth.

• Varying sizes and placement on a receding plane.

• Overlapping and shading gives the appearance of 3D.

Do:

Draw hands holding the earth using the proposed techniques.

When shading, make the darkest values between the fingers and knuckle creases. This will indicate folds of the skin. Erase some spots on the finger pads and between the creases to create a natural highlight effect.

Vocabulary:

Highlight - The area on any surface which reflects the most light; to direct attention to or emphasize an area of a drawing through use of value.

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project the illusion of 3D onto a 2D surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Sphere - A three-dimensional form shaped like a ball, circular from all possible points of view. Its surface consists of points, all of which are the same distance (radius) from its center.

RECYCLE

Know:

90 Degree Angle, Earth Day, Mobius Strip, Recycle, Triangle

Understand:

• How to create the illusion of a single sided looped surface.

• The universal symbol for recycling.

Do:

Create a version of the universal recycle symbol using simple shapes and lines.

Vocabulary:

90 Degree Angle – A right angle equal to 90 degrees. An angle that bisects the formed by two halves of a straight line.

Earth Day – An annual event celebrated on April 22nd on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970 and is now celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.

Mobius Strip - An unending single sided looped surface.

Recycle Symbol – A universally recognized symbol used to designate recyclable materials.

Triangle – A polygon with three edges and three vertices. It is one of the basic shapes in geometry.

PASSOVER

Know:

Overlapping, Perspective, Symbol

Understand:

• Layering simple shapes can be the first step to creating complex forms.

• Overlapping objects in an artwork can indicate depth.

• Symbols in art and religion.

Do:

Create an original artwork for Passover and include the six items on a plate that tell the Passover story. Indicate perspective by drawing the plate and items at a specific angle.

Passover or Pesach, is a biblically derived Jewish festival. The Jewish people celebrate Passover as a commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. It is traditional for Jewish families to gather on the first night of Passover (first two nights in communities outside the land of Israel) for a special dinner called a Seder. A Seder Plate filled with symbolic items is used during this celebration. Three whole Matzo (unleavened bread) are placed under the plate and six items are arranged on top, each one reminding us of the Passover Story.

The matzo (matzot) are symbolic of the three castes of Jews: Priests, Levites, and Israelites. A Beitzah (hard-boiled egg) is placed on the plate as a symbol of mourning. The Zeroah (roasted bone) is a visual reminder of sacrifice. The Chazeret (romaine lettuce) is the first portion of bitter herbs eaten to represent the bitterness and harshness of the slavery the Hebrews endured in Egypt.  The Maror (horseradish root) is the second bitter herb used. The Karpas can be a small slice of onion, boiled potato or sprig of parsley. This is dipped into salt water at the beginning of the Seder, representing the salty tears cried. The Charoset (mixture of chopped apple, walnuts and red wine) is placed on the plate to resemble bricks and mortar used by the Hebrew slaves to build the storehouses or pyramids of Egypt.

Vocabulary:

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface.

Symbol - An object that represents, stands for or suggests an idea, visual image, belief or action. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs.

PATRIOTS’ DAY

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects

• Layering, Overlapping

• Simple steps to create an interesting graphic design work

• Lines are tools for communication

Understand:

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating an interesting work.

• Various types of line in an artwork add depth and interest, imply space, movement, light, and/or thickness (3D edge).

• Range in line quality heightens the descriptive potential in an artwork (textures, movement, light, space, etc.).

Do:

Create an original image using detailed line art that focuses on line quality. Experiment by drawing the artwork of the Patriot provided and add line weight in the contour areas highlighted on the worksheet. Next, try this technique on an item of your choosing, ensuring that some lines appear to come forward (thicker) and others recede (thinner).

Patriots’ Day (officially Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts and Wisconsin and Patriot’s Day in Maine) is a civic holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War on April 19th, 1775.

Vocabulary:

Layering – To place something over another surface or object.

Line Quality (weight) – The unique character of a drawn line as it changes lightness/darkness, direction, curvature, or width; the thin and thick lines in an artwork that create the illusion of form and shadow.

Line quality describes the appearance of a line – it’s look, not it’s direction (i.e. thick, thin, light, dark, solid, broken, etc.).

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Month: National Humor Month, International Guitar Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, Lawn and Garden Month, National Poetry Month, National Pecan Month, National Welding Month, Records and Information Management Month, Stress Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Week Celebrations:

The first week of April is Library Week and Read a Road Map Week.  The second week of April is Garden Week. The third week of April is Organize Your Files Week and Medical Labs Week. The fourth week of April is Administrative Assistants Week and National Karaoke Week.

Special Days in April: April Fool’s Day, International Fun at Work Day, International Tatting Day, Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter – date varies), Children’s Book Day, National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, Reconciliation Day, Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day, Tweed Day, Hug a Newsman Day, National Walk to Work Day (first Friday of month), Walk Around Things Day, School Librarian Day, Tell a Lie Day, Go for Broke Day, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Sorry Charlie Day, Caramel Popcorn Day, National Beer Day, No Housework Day, World Health Day, All is Ours Day, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, Name Yourself Day, Winston Churchill Day, Golfer’s Day, National Siblings Day, Eight Track Tape Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, National Submarine Day, Big Wind Day, Russian Cosmonaut Day, Scrabble Day, Ex-Spouse Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, National Pecan Day, Reach as High as You Can Day, Rubber Eraser Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, National Eggs Benedict Day, National Librarian Day, National Stress Awareness Day, Blah, Blah, Blah Day, National Cheeseball Day, Pet Owners Independence Day, International Juggler’s Day, Newspaper Columnists Day, Patriot’s Day (third Monday of the month), National Garlic Day, Look Alike Day, Volunteer Recognition Day, Kindergarten Day, National High Five Day (third Thursday of the month), Girl Scout Leader Day, National Jelly Bean Day, Lover’s Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, Take a Chance Day, World Laboratory Day, Pig in a Blanket Day, East meets West Day, World Penguin Day, National Pretzel Day, Richter Scale Day, Administrative Professionals Day (Executive Admin’s Day, Secretary’s Day - date varies), Babe Ruth Day, National Prime Rib Day, Tell a Story Day, International Astronomy Day, Great Poetry Reading Day, Kiss Your Mate Day, Take Your Daughter to Work 4th Thursday, Arbor Day (last Friday of month), Greenery Day, National Shrimp Scampi Day, Hairstyle Appreciation Day, National Honesty Day

CINCO DE MAYO

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Simplify

Understand:

• Several images can be combined together to create an interesting, original artwork.

• The principles of line art.

Do:

Using the tutorial provided, choose some of the images to create a festive Cinco de Mayo graphic.

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the 5th of May) is a celebration held on May 5th in the United States and Mexico. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

DAFFODIL, LILY and TULIP with SHADING

May Flowers

Know:

• Circle, Cone, Contour, Cylinder, Depth, Perspective

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object

• The difference between geometric and organic shapes

Understand:

• Layering simple shapes can be the first step to creating complex forms.

• A cylinder is a circle that is projected into three dimensions.

• High contrast shading gives the appearance of form and 3D.

• Detail lines that follow the contour of an image can create texture and depth.

Do:

Draw the flower of your choice from the tutorials using geometric shapes, contour lines, cylinders, scalloped edges, curves and organic shapes.

TIPS WHEN SHADING:

First, lightly press down on the areas of the artwork that have the deepest shadows. This is just the beginning process so there is no need to add dark shadows quickly. By keeping the initial shading somewhat light, erasing mistakes or erasing areas to create highlights will be much simpler. Continue to darken each petal with a layer of shade and use your value scale as a guide. This will help the tones remain consistent throughout the shading process. As the shading deepens, the original outline of the drawing should disappear. Objects in real life don’t have a solid outline around them, simply just a change in value. The same goes for a realistic drawing; don’t darken the outline, darken the shadows.

Vocabulary:

Cone – A three-dimensional geometric form that tapers smoothly from a flat base to a point called the apex or vertex.

Contour – The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Depth - The third dimension. The apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork. When depth refers to an object’s smallest dimension, then this distance can also be called its thickness. Techniques of perspective are used to create the illusion of depth in paintings or drawings.

MEMORIAL DAY

Know:

3D, Chiaroscuro, Depth, Horizontal, Vertical

Understand:

• How to create a simple grave stone using line and geometric shapes.

• The meaning of Memorial Day.

Do:

Create a Memorial Day scene using the tutorial provided. Start with simple lines and shapes then build a more complex design as the steps progress. Add a personal message and shade as desired. If you do not want to draw a grave, create another special scene of your own to commemorate the holiday.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday is observed every year on the last Monday of May. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

The flag depicted in this tutorial is the national flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American Flag. Its design consists of thirteen stripes that represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and became the first states in the Union. The fifty stars represent the fifty states of the United States of America.

Vocabulary:

3D – Three dimensional. Having, or appearing to have, height, width and depth.

Chiaroscuro - A word borrowed from Italian (“light and shade” or “dark”) referring to the modeling of volume by depicting light and shade by contrasting them boldly.

Depth – The third dimension. The apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork.

Horizontal – Straight and flat across, parallel to the horizon.

Vertical – The direction going straight up and down. The opposite, or perpendicular to the horizon.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY

Know:

Geometric Shape, Line, Mirror Symmetry, Pattern

Understand:

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

• There are many different ways to approach drawing with symmetry.

Do:

Students will draw a monarch butterfly using the tutorial provided showing mirror symmetry. Change the design as desired to create a unique pattern.

Note: As soon as one step is drawn on the left, the artist may immediately mirror that step on the right or wait until all steps (1-8) are completed to draw the mirror image. Either choice is correct, the artist just needs to determine which way works best for them.

The monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shape – A shape having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry.

Line – A mark with length and direction. An element of art which refers to the continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point.

Mirror Symmetry - The parts of an image or object organized so that one side mirrors the other.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines, or colors in an artwork.

MOTHER’S DAY CARD

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Simple steps to create a simple daisy.

• Radial Balance, Repetition and Rotational Symmetry

Understand:

• The power behind creating a hand-made, quality product. Handmade = personal, made with love, care, creativity and uniqueness.

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating a recognizable form.

• A simple daisy is based on a circle with its design extending from (or focused upon) its center.

• How to arrange elements in an artwork so that they appear symmetrical or equally balanced.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create an original Mother’s Day card design focusing on rotational symmetry.

• Shade with pencil or colored pencil.

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. It complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Father’s Day and Siblings Day.

Note: Is homemade better than store bought? When it comes to greeting cards – absolutely! It may take a bit more time to do it yourself but there are so many benefits to making hand crafted products. If it is made by you, it is so much more special and will be cherished for a lifetime. Use this tutorial as it is or add and change parts as desired to make it uniquely yours.

Tip: When creating hand drawn letters; use a stencil, your best cursive, bubble or block letters. Anything but “stick” letters will look fancy. Different shades of the same color make this design really pop if you decide to add color.

Vocabulary:

Balance - A principle of design, balance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work; a pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or areas in a design or composition.

Radial or Rotational Balance is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from or focused upon its center.

Rotational Symmetry - An object that looks the same after a certain amount of circular movement around that object’s center.

MOTHER’S DAY GESTURE DRAWING

Know:

Continuous Line, Essence, Gesture Drawing, Mass

Understand:

How to quickly capture motion or the essence of an object or figure.

Do:

Practice gesture drawing figures in motion by following the tutorial and tips provided. Try several drawings of figures in different poses. Have a friend pose as a real-life model.

TIPS:

Gently grip the pencil loosely and keep it moving. Long, fluid strokes are a great way to “warm up” for a drawing. Start by drafting the core action by quickly sketching the major movements, then fill out the rest of the figure.

Don’t think too much about what is being drawn. There are no mistakes in gesture drawing. If a line happens to be drawn in an unwanted area, just leave it move on to another area. There is no need to erase anything – the goal is not a perfect rendering, just a general idea of the figure.

Keep drawing. Use long, quick, overlapping lines to indicate basic shapes. No need to lift the pencil off of the paper.

Not only should you not stop drawing, but you should also not keep drawing in any one place for too long. Keep the pencil moving!

Limit the time spent on each drawing. Set a timer if needed. Drawings are created quickly, usually as short as a few seconds or as long as five minutes.

Vocabulary:

Continuous Line Drawing – A single line used to create a drawing from the beginning to the end. The pencil stays in contact with the surface of the paper during the entire length of the drawing, drawing through the forms as if they were transparent.

Essence – The idea or basic quality of something.

Gesture Drawing – A loose sketch used to quickly block in the layout of the largest shapes in a composition or to capture the essence of motion in a figure. Also known as action drawing.

Mass - The effect and degree of bulk, density and weight of matter in a drawn object. It is the area occupied by a form.

NATIONAL ARMED FORCES DAY

Know:

• Layering, Overlapping, Silhouettes

Understand:

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating an interesting work.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Simple steps to create an interesting graphic design work.

• Lines are tools for communication.

Do:

Create an image commemorating those who served in our armed forces using simple lines and silhouettes. Experiment by drawing the artwork of the saluting person provided. Add a background of your choice to make it unique.

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. First observed on May 20, 1950, the day was created on August 31, 1949, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the U.S. Department of Defense.

Vocabulary:

Layering – To place something over another surface or object.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Silhouette – An image of a person, animal, object or scene represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually black, its edges matching the outline of the subject.

NATIONAL NURSE’S WEEK

Know:

Stethoscope, Symmetry

Understand:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Recognizing and celebrating the impact nurses have on lives.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create a stethoscope in the shape of a heart for Nurse’s Week. A stethoscope is a tool often used by doctors and nurses. The heart signifies the love and care involved in this profession.

National Nurses Week recognizes and celebrates the invaluable duties performed by nurses. Nurses are the first line of defense in the prevention of illness and injury and they champion and promote the health of our nation. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has observed May 6 to May 12 as National Nurses Week since 1994, recognizing nurses for the challenging and demanding work they do throughout their careers. The dates are significant: May 12th is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the Victorian-era nurse regarded as the founder of the modern nursing profession.

Vocabulary:

Stethoscope – an acoustic medical device used for listening to the internal sounds of an animal or human body. It is often used to listen to lung and heart sounds. It is also used to listen to intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins.

Symmetry – The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other. Also known as formal balance.

A special thank you to all nurses and the special nurses in my life:

Virginia R. Duseault    Virginia A. Thayer  Marjorie McRae Guttler

Linda Gouldrup  Marcia J. Goslin  Michelle L. Goslin

Diane Perry  Cindy Vella

SIMPLE Spring Tulip

Know:

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

• The difference between geometric and organic shapes.

• Line can indicate perspective via overlapping.

Understand:

Overlapping and differences in the size of objects in a scene can help to achieve the illusion of depth.

Do:

Draw your version of a Spring Tulip bouquet using the tips and tricks provided. Draw at least three flowers. Add something you don’t see on the worksheet to make your artwork unique (i.e. a vase, stems tied with a ribbon, etc.) Color or shade as desired.

Vocabulary:

High Contrast Shading – A large difference between dark and light values in an artwork (fewer mid-tones).

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

WATERING CAN

Know:

Cylinder, Depth, Ellipse, Parallel, Perspective

Understand:

• A cylinder is a circle that is projected into three dimensions. If you are looking directly at the top or bottom of a cylinder, all that is seen is a circle. The cylinder appears when viewing it askew or from the side.

• The addition of simple lines can indicate the edge of an image and add the illusion of depth.

Do:

Students will draw a watering can using ovals, curves and a basic cylinder as a guide.

Vocabulary:

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Depth - The third dimension. The apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork. When depth refers to an object’s smallest dimension, then this distance can also be called its thickness. Techniques of perspective are used to create the illusion of depth in paintings or drawings.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

Parallel – Two or more straight lines or edges on the same plane that do not intersect. Parallel lines have the same direction.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Month: Date Your Mate Month, Foster Care Month, National Barbecue Month, National Bike Month, National Blood Pressure Month, National Hamburger Month, National Photograph Month, National Recommitment Month, National Salad Month, Older Americans Month

Week Celebrations:

The first week of May is Wildflower Week. The second week of May is National Bike Week and National Police Week. The fourth week of May is Emergency Medical Services Week.

Special Days in May: May Day, Loyalty Day, Mother Goose Day, Save the Rhino Day, Baby Day, Brothers and Sisters Day, Lumpy Rug Day, National Teachers Day (Tuesday of the first full week of May), World Press Freedom Day, Bird Day, National Candied Orange Peel Day, Renewal Day, Star Wars Day, National Hoagie Day, Oyster Day, Beverage Day, International Tuba Day (first Friday in May), Military Spouses Day (the Friday before Mother’s Day), National Tourist Appreciation Day, National Nurses Day, No Diet Day, Space Day (first Friday in May), National Tourism Day, Iris Day, Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May), No Socks Day, Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), World Red Cross Day / World Red Crescent Day, Clean up Your Room Day, Eat What You Want Day, National Receptionist Day (second Wednesday in May), School Nurses Day (the Wednesday during Nurse’s Week), Twilight Zone Day, Fatigue Syndrome Day, International Nurses Day, Friday the 13th, Limerick Day, Frog Jumping Day, Leprechaun Day, Dance Like a Chicken Day, International Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May), National Train Day (date varies), National Chocolate Chip Day, Police Officer’s Memorial Day, Love a Tree Day, National Sea Monkey Day, Wear Purple for Peace Day, Pack Rat Day, International Museum Day, No Dirty Dishes Day, Visit Your Relatives Day, Boy’s Club Day, National Bike to Work Day (third Friday of the month), Armed Forces Day (third Saturday of the month), National Memo Day, National Waiters and Waitresses Day, Buy a Musical Instrument Day, Lucky Penny Day, Victoria Day/Canada (usually the 24th), National Missing Children’s Day, Tap Dance Day, Sally Ride Day, Sun Screen Day, Amnesty International Day, International Jazz Day (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend), Learn About Composting Day, Memorial Day (last Monday of the month), Water a Flower Day, National Macaroon Day, Save Your Hearing Day, World No Tobacco Day

FATHER’S DAY

Know: Line, Shading

Understand:

• Connecting a series of simple lines can create a complex object.

• High contrast shading gives the appearance of form and 3D.

• Objects in real life don’t have solid outlines around them, just a change in value.

Do:

Create a Father’s Day themed drawing using the tutorial provided. Start with simple lines and shapes then build a more complex design as the steps progress. Add a personal message and shade as desired.

Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, though it is also celebrated widely on other days by many other countries.

Why a tie? A neck tie is a traditional gift for Dad’s on Father’s Day. Draw him one instead of buying one!

TIPS WHEN SHADING:

First, lightly press down on the areas of the artwork that have the deepest shadows. This is just the beginning process so there is no need to add dark shadows quickly. By keeping the initial shading somewhat light, erasing mistakes or erasing areas to create highlights will be much simpler. Continue to darken each petal with a layer of shade and use your value scale as a guide. This will help the tones remain consistent throughout the shading process. As the shading deepens, the original outline of the drawing should disappear. Objects in real life don’t have a solid outline around them, simply just a change in value. The same goes for a realistic drawing; don’t darken the outline, darken the shadows.

Vocabulary:

Line – A continuous mark made on a surface that shows length or direction.

Shading - Showing change from light to dark or dark to light in a picture by darkening areas that would be shadowed and leaving other areas light. Blending of one value into another is sometimes called feathering. Shading is often used to produce illusions of dimension and depth.

FLAG DAY

Know:

Drapery, Geometric Shape, Line

Understand:

• The significance of the stars and stripes on the American Flag.

• There are many ways to draw a flag.

Do:

Create your choice of flag to celebrate flag day. Follow the tutorial for the basics then add lots of “extra’s” to make it unique.

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The national flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag, consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the “union”) bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the Union.

TIPS:

There are 13 stripes in the American Flag. The union portion (blue rectangle) is seven stripes tall and approximately 2/5 the length of the flag. When hanging a flag vertically, the union portion should always be in the upper left hand corner. There are 11 vertical columns of stars and 9 rows alternating with 6 and 5 stars in each row. The top row begins with 6 stars, the second row had 5, the third has 6 and so on. If adding color, the stars are white, union portion rectangle is blue and the stripes alternate between red and white (starting with red on the top stripe).

Vocabulary:

Drapery - Cloth or a representation of cloth arranged to hang in folds. This may be a curtain or a costume, or fabric used as a cover or as an object arranged as a passage in a composition. Just as the study of various means to representing the human figure is essential in the development of an artist’s skills, so is the study of ways to represent drapery. Each is composed of curving surfaces reflecting gradations of colors. Each is essentially a set of loose folds of varying sizes, among which are occasional creases. Drapery varies amongst fabrics of different weights, textures, colors, and patterns, either hanging straight, disturbed by wind, or by parts of a body or an object in some relationship to it.

SUMMER VACATION

Know:

Perspective

Understand:

• Several images can be combined together to create an interesting, original scene.

• How to draw a scene using perspective.

Do:

Choose several of the items in this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a unique, festive, summer scene. Use perspective to create the illusion of depth.

Summer vacation (also called summer holiday or summer break) is a school holiday in summer between school years and is the longest break in the school year. Students and instructors are not attending school during this break which lasts typically between six and fourteen weeks, depending on the country and district.

TIPS:

• Items in the foreground should appear larger and lower on the page. Items in the back ground should appear smaller and higher on the page.

• Add a background with clouds and flying bird shapes to fill in blank areas.

• Add dots on the ground for a sandy texture.

• Follow the curve of the water line several times to indicate waves.

• Add curved lines to create motion ripples around floating or standing objects in the water.

Vocabulary:

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Know:

Line, Overlap, Swirl

Understand:

• Parts of an object that overlap can give the appearance of 3D.

• Small details add interest and realism to an artwork.

Do:

Create an original scroll design using the tips and tricks provided.

TIPS:

The size and length of the artwork in the tutorial can easily be changed to create a more unique drawing.

The backwards “S” shape is used to make the scroll more visible on the left. Draw a regular elongated “S” shape on the right to do the opposite.

Add cracks and uneven shading to age the appearance of the document.

Draw long scribble lines to indicate small text. These should follow the contour of the upper and lower vertical lines of the scroll to appear realistic.

Draw several overlapping rolls on each scroll for the appearance of a long, rolled document.

The Declaration of Independence is the usual name of a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. Instead they formed a new nation—the United States of America.

Vocabulary:

Line – A mark with length and direction.

Overlap – When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Swirl – Any curving, twisting line, shape or form.

CAROUSEL HORSE

Know:

Contour, Curve, Geometric Shapes, Overlap, Perspective

Understand:

• How to create an effective likeness of an animal using simple shapes.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

Do:

Create a contour drawing of a carousel horse using geometric shapes, curves and lines. Note the distance between shapes, the height of each shape and whether or not they overlap one another.

NOTES: Draw lightly so that the guidelines can easily be erased. All areas marked with dashed lines are the spots to erase.

A carousel or merry-go-round is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders. The “seats” are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on posts, many of which are moved up and down by gears to simulate galloping, to the accompaniment of looped circus music. In North America and Mainland Europe, carousels typically go counterclockwise while in the United Kingdom, merry-go-rounds usually turn clockwise. One possible reason for carousels in the US turning anti-clockwise may be so that the rider can use their right hand to catch a brass ring. Another possible reason for the reverse direction was in rebellion to the King of England in the early days.

Vocabulary:

Contour – The outline and other visible edges of a figure or object. A contour drawing uses contour lines to represent subject matter.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way or, something that has the shape of a curve, such as an arc.

Geometric Shape – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space.

CRAB

Know:

Guideline, Hatch Marks, Overlap, Symmetry

Understand:

• Overlapping geometric shapes can be the first step in drawing a realistic object.

• Mirror Symmetry.

Do:

Combine simple geometric shapes to create a view of a crab from above.

Crabs are found in all of the world’s oceans, while many crabs live in fresh water and on land, particularly in tropical regions. They are generally covered with a thick exoskeleton, composed primarily of calcium carbonate and armed with a single pair of claws. Crabs vary in size from the pea crab, a few millimeters wide, to the Japanese spider crab, with a leg span of up to 13 feet. There are roughly 4,500 known species of crabs, however, hermit crabs, king crabs, porcelain crabs and horseshoe crabs are not true crabs.

Vocabulary:

Guideline - A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing or painting.

Hatch Marks – Creating tonal, design or shading effects with closely spaced lines.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Symmetry – When one side of an image duplicates or mirrors the other. Although the crab in this tutorial is very similar on both sides, it is not perfectly symmetrical.

FIREWORKS

Know:

• Asymmetry, Radial Balance, Repetition, Starburst, Symmetry

• Drawing using white or light colored media on a dark surface.

Understand:

• A firework design is based on a circle with its design extending from (or focused upon) its center. The designs are often slightly uneven but still hold a repetitive pattern.

• Recognize the importance of tints (lighter values) and their inherent relationships with shades (darker values).

• With practice, our understanding of value and how it is used to create drawings will improve.

• Using contrast in drawings is a great way to create a dynamic image. One way of creating good contrast is by using white material or media on dark or black surfaces.

Do:

Create an original artwork of fireworks following the steps provided. Use different line lengths and thicknesses for interest.

TIP:

(If using dark colored or black paper) A drawing is usually done with dark material onto a white surface. This process is the opposite when using black paper since light values are added onto a dark surface to indicate lighter areas, almost like drawing in reverse. Black paper offers a number of challenges but also provides some interesting alternative approaches.

Vocabulary:

Asymmetric - Not identical on both sides of a central line; not symmetrical.

Contrast – A large difference between two things; for example, hot and cold. This term refers to a way of juxtaposing elements of art to stress the differences between them.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Radial or Rotational Balance is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from or focused upon its center.

Repetition – The act of repeating. A repeated action, performance, production or presentation.

Starburst – A pattern of lines or rays radiating from a central point.

FLY A KITE

Know:

Parts of a kite, Simple geometric shapes

Understand:

• How to combine geometric shapes to create a more complex object.

• How to create a likeness of a specific object using minimal details and shading.

Do:

Follow the tutorial provided to create a generic kite shape. The size, shape and tail style are just a few things that can be changed in order to make this a one of a kind drawing. This is a very basic design, however, much more can be added to make it unique. Add a sky, background, child flying the kite or other items to create a full scene.

A kite is a toy consisting of a light frame with thin material stretched over it, flown in the wind at the end of a long string. Flying a kite is great fun on a windy day. It’s also very relaxing. So ditch those video games, get off the couch, and go fly a kite!

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shape – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry.

Parts of a kite:

Bridle – String attached to the kite at several points.

Cross spar and Spine – Support a kite structure.

Kite tails – Extension of the kite that is necessary only in very strong winds or with flat kites. Kite tails work on friction in the air, not on weight.

Line – The string attached to the kite.

FRIENDSHIP DAY

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Overlap, Perspective, Proportion

Understand:

• The use of proportion, perspective and observation to draw an outline of hands holding.

• Subtle differences in shape and size make our hands unique.

Do:

Create an original drawing of hands clasping one another. Start with a basic circle shape and lay oval shapes over it as a guideline for the fingers. Build on those shapes to eventually turn them into finger forms. View your own hand and observe the natural sizing, angles and creases for reference.

Friendship Day is a day for celebrating friendship. The day has been celebrated in several southern South American countries for many years, particularly in Paraguay, but was originally promoted by the founder of Hallmark cards in 1930.  August 2nd was chosen to be a day when people celebrated their friendships by sending cards because that date was the center of the largest lull between holiday celebrations.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shapes – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles and squares.

Overlap – When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space.

Proportion – Refers to the comparative or harmonious relationship of one part of an object to another with respect to size, quantity or degree.

SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM SUGAR CONE

Know:

Ellipse, Form, Organic Shape, Perspective, Swirl, Texture

Understand:

• A variety of textures can appear on one object.

• Combining geometric and organic shapes can create recognizable objects.

Do: Follow the tutorial provided to create a realistic, soft serve ice cream on a sugar cone using perspective techniques and shading.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation’s population.

The International Ice Cream Association encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. About 10.3 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation’s dairy industry.

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day is observed annually on July 23. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Vocabulary:

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle, an oval.

Form – An object appearing to have length, width and depth.

Organic Shape – An irregular shape or a shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical or geometric shape.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Swirl – Any curving, twisting line, shape, or form.

Texture - The surface quality or “feel” of an object; its smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. Textures may be actual or simulated.

ICE CREAM WAFFLE CONE

Know:

Cone, Ellipse, Form, Organic Shape, Perspective, Shading, Shadow, Texture

Understand:

• The difference between shading and a cast shadow.

• The cone is one of the four basic forms that appear in nature and man-made objects.

• Combining geometric and organic shapes can create recognizable objects.

Do:

Students will follow the tutorial provided to create a realistic, waffle cone ice cream using perspective techniques and shading.

TIP:

To create a cone, draw a long, upside down triangle with an ellipse at the top.

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is enjoyed and celebrated by people throughout the United States each year on June 7th. Chocolate ice cream is the second most common flavor only surpassed by vanilla.

Vocabulary:

Cone – A three-dimensional form having a surface created by a straight line (the side length) that tapers smoothly from a base to a point called the apex or vertex.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle, an oval.

Form – An object appearing to have length, width and depth.

Organic Shape – An irregular shape or a shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical or geometric shape.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Shading - The representation of the different values in a painting or drawing that indicate change from light to dark or dark to light.

Shadow – An image cast on a surface by an object blocking rays of illumination.

Texture - The surface quality or “feel” of an object; its smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. Textures may be actual or simulated.

Dave’s Sailboat

Know:

Curve, Negative Space, Positive Space, Triangle

Understand:

• The basic parts of a sailboat.

• Subtle shading and light outlines help to make a drawing appear more realistic and adds depth.

Do:

Use the information provided to create a basic sailboat. Add “extra’s” such as sail designs or patterns, water ripples or a name on the side to make it unique.

TIPS:

Looking at the negative space in a scene can aid in drawing the positive space.

Vocabulary:

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Negative Space – Empty space in an artwork, a void.

Positive Space – Space in an artwork that is filled with something including lines, designs, tones or shapes. The opposite of negative space.

Triangle – A closed, two dimensional polygon bounded by three straight line segments.

LOBSTER

Know:

Guideline, Overlap

Understand:

• The anatomy of a lobster.

• Overlapping geometric shapes can be the first step in drawing a realistic object.

Do:

Use the techniques shown to draw a lobster body while learning the anatomy of the anthropod.

The American Lobster (also known as a Maine Lobster), is most common lobster found in the United States. Lobsters are invertebrates with a hard protective exoskeleton that have long bodies with muscular tails, and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor. Three of their five pairs of legs have claws, including the first pair, which are usually much larger than the others. Normally, lobsters develop front claws of two types: the bulkier crusher claw and the leaner pincher claw. Highly prized as seafood, lobsters are economically important, and are often one of the most profitable commodities in coastal areas they populate. When a lobster is cooked, its shell’s will change from a deep blue green color to an orange/red.

Vocabulary:

Guideline - A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing or painting.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

NATIONAL DOG DAY

Know:

Combine, Overlap, Proportion, Texture

Understand:

• Every complex object can be simplified into a series of connected geometric and organic shapes.

• How to create an effective likeness of a dog using simple shapes.

Do:

Follow the steps provided and create your own version of a dog. Begin by drawing simple geometric shapes and connecting them to create a more complex, organic shape that resembles the breed. Add “Extra’s” like fur texture, whiskers, collar, leash, etc. Shade to indicate form or pattern. Erase areas for highlights.

National Dog Day is celebrated every year on August 26th. The purpose of this day is to honor dogs and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse. It’s an opportunity for humans to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs in our lives. In addition to giving love and companionship, dogs help us out in countless ways. They are watchdogs for our safety, they lead the blind, they aid in search and rescue and they seek out bombs and drugs. Lend a hand to help a dog in need today, or any day.

National Dog Day was created by the National Dog Day Foundation. Their motto is “Saving 10,000 Dogs - One Day at a Time”.

Vocabulary:

Combine – Two or more objects put together.

Complex - A way of combining the elements of art in involved ways; to create intricate and complicated relationships within an artwork. A picture composed of many shapes, different colors, sizes, and textures would be called complex.

Contour lines - The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Proportion - The proportion relationship of one part to another in an object or the whole object with respect to size, quantity, degree or number.

Texture - The way something looks like it feels in an artwork; the perceived surface quality of a work of art.

NATIONAL SISTERS DAY

Know:

Diagonal, Figure Drawing, Geometric Shapes, Overlap, Perspective, Proportion

Understand:

• Basic figure drawing techniques.

• How to use geometric shapes as a guideline when drawing organic objects.

Do: Follow the tutorial provided to create an artwork around the “Sisters” theme. Elements can be added or changed to make this drawing one-of-a-kind. When drawing human figures, an artist may draw from live models, photographs, skeletal models, or from memory and imagination. Use the simple shapes offered in this tutorial as a guide.

National Sisters Day is an unofficial holiday that honors the strong bond that people share with their sister(s). This day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your relationship with your sister (or best girlfriend) and tell her how much she means to you.

Vocabulary:

Diagonal – Having a slanted direction. Any straight edge or line that is neither horizontal nor vertical is diagonal.

Figure Drawing – A drawing of the human form in any of its various shapes and postures using any of the drawing media.

Geometric Shapes – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles and squares.

Overlap – When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space.

Proportion – Refers to the comparative or harmonious relationship of one part of an object to another with respect to size, quantity or degree.

NATIONAL PARENTS’ DAY

Know:

Human Figure, Creating a Likeness, Silhouette, Stick Figure

Understand:

• How to combine geometric shapes to create a more complex object.

• How to create a likeness of a specific person using minimal details.

Do:

Students will follow the tutorial provided to create a generic human silhouette. This process will be repeated to create a unique silhouette family holding hands.  Change the height, thickness and styling of each silhouette to represent a specific likeness of a person. Add or remove adult and children silhouettes to create a drawing that resembles your favorite family!

In the United States, Parents’ Day is held on the fourth Sunday of every July. This was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law for “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.” Parents’ Day was established to recognize the need to promote responsible parenting in our society and to uplift ideal parental role models.

Vocabulary:

Human Figure – The shape or outline of a person.

Likeness – A representation of something or someone.

Silhouette – The outline of an object or scene represented as a solid shape. The interior of a silhouette is usually featureless.

Stick Figure – A diagrammatic drawing representing a human or animal, usually made with one line each for the torso and appendages, and often a circle for the head.

PATRIOTIC LETTERS USING PERSPECTIVE

Know:

Differences between near and far objects in a scene.

Understand:

The illusion of depth can be created using one point perspective techniques.

Do:

• Following the techniques provided, create the illusion of 3D lettering using one point perspective, receding lines and block letters to write a word.

• Create a festive pattern within the letters.

• Shade and color as desired.

Vocabulary:

Perspective – The technique used to create the illusion of 3D onto a 2D surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Recede – To move toward a more distant point; withdraw or go back in to space.

TIPS:

• Use a ruler!

• Draw lightly because there is some erasing involved.

• Try to create sharp corners on your letters so the edges are not rounded. Rounded edges are more difficult to create perspective with. As you practice and get better, try using rounded bubble letters.

SALT WATER TAFFY

Know:

Disk, Ellipse, Organic Shape, Oval, Overlap, Translucent

Understand:

• How to create the appearance of translucency in an artwork.

• How to use geometric shapes as a guideline when drawing organic objects.

Do: Students will follow the tutorial provided using geometric and organic shapes to create the image of a wrapped piece of salt water taffy candy.

TIP: Salt water taffy wrappers are usually a translucent white. Some of the colorful candy portion shows through the white on the center disk portion.

Salt water taffy is sold widely in beach towns throughout the United States. Contrary to popular belief, salt water taffy is not made with seawater, however, it does contain both salt and water.

Vocabulary:

Disk – Any thin, flat, circular plate or object.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle, an oval.

Organic Shape – An irregular shape or a shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical or geometric shape.

Oval – A two-dimensional shape that looks like a circle that has been stretched to make it longer. The two ends of an oval may or may not be the same size and shape.

Overlap – When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Translucent – An object which some light passes through, diffusing it so that objects on the opposite side are not clearly visible.

SCALLOP SHELL

Know:

Guideline, Pattern, Perspective, Scallop, Scalloped Edge

Understand:

• The word scallop can be used as a noun or a verb.

• How to create an organic shape using geometric shapes.

• Using highlight and shadows to add realism to an artwork.

• Patterns in nature.

Do:

Use the techniques shown to create a scallop shell that shows shading and perspective.

Vocabulary:

Guideline - A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing or painting.

Pattern – The repetition of shapes, lines or colors. Pattern is one of the principles of design.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

Scallop – An edible bivalve mollusk with a ribbed fan-shaped shell. Scallops swim by rapidly opening and closing the shell valves.

Scalloped Edge – To draw with a series of curved projections that form ornamental edging in imitation of the edge of a scallop shell.

SUMMER FAIR

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Perspective, Simplify

Understand:

• Several images can be combined together to create an interesting, original scene.

• How to draw a scene using perspective.

• The principles of line art.

Do:

Choose several of the items in this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a unique, festive, summer fair design scene. Use perspective and layering to create the illusion of depth.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

SUN HAT LADY

Know:

Contrast, Guideline, Focal Point

Understand:

• How to direct a viewer’s attention toward a specific area of an artwork.

• The power of multiple tones and contrast used in a single art work.

• Rendering lines lightly when first starting a drawing allows for easy erasing and fewer permanently misplaced lines.

Do:

Follow the techniques shown to create a woman wearing a large, floppy hat and sunglasses. Choose an area of the artwork that will have a focal point. This involves making a portion of the image stand out by adding detail or contrast to one or two areas. This tutorial shows how to create an artwork with sunglasses reflecting buildings as the focal point. Any type of reflection can be created in the sunglasses to make the artwork unique. Instead of using the sunglasses, artists may wish to highlight a different focal point in the drawing. This can be done by adding more contrast or detail to a certain area such as darkening the lips, adding a detailed flower to the hat, concentrating on an intricate hat pattern or adding emphasis to another area.

Vocabulary:

Contrast – A large difference between two things; for example, hot and cold, green and red, light and shadow. Closely related to emphasis, this term refers to a way of juxtaposing elements of art to stress the differences between them. Used in this way, contrast can excite, emphasize and direct attention to points of interest.

Guideline - A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing or painting.

Focal Point – The center of interest or activity.

TALL DRINK OF WATER

Know:

3D, Opaque, Translucent, Transparent

Understand:

• Simple steps that can be used when drawing see-through objects.

• Small details add interest and realism to an artwork.

Do:

Draw a refreshing Tall Drink of Water focusing on light, shadow and reflections. Add garnishes to make the drink festive.

TIPS:

• Draw lightly!

• Even though the glass is smooth, its shading consists of noticeable dark and light areas that should be shaded in.

• Use an eraser to lighten certain areas. Glass has many reflections and an eraser can be a quick way to create some sharp highlights.

• Try filling a glass with water and drawing it. Focus on the reflection of the glass and the light source, not the actual glass. Draw what you see – not what you think you see.

• You don’t always have to draw the exact reflections or dark areas you see in the glass in order for the drawing to look real. A hint of a highlight or shadow can be very powerful.

Vocabulary:

Three Dimensional (3D) – Having or appearing to have height, width and depth.

Opaque – Something that cannot be seen through.

Translucent – An object which some light passes through.

Transparent – Allowing light to pass through so that objects can be clearly seen on the other side.

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY

Know:

Curve, Geometric Shapes, Pattern, Rotational Symmetry

Understand:

• Combining simple geometric shapes can create more complex objects.

• Examples of rotational symmetry can be found in nature.

Do:

Follow the tutorial provided to create a simple watermelon illustration using geometric shapes, guidelines and rotational symmetry.

National Watermelon Day is August 3rd! Watermelon is a large, sprawling, vine-like flowering plant originally from southern Africa. It is grown for its edible fruit that has a smooth hard rind, usually green with dark green stripes or yellow spots, and a juicy, sweet interior flesh, usually deep red to pink, but sometimes orange, yellow, or white, with many seeds. Watermelon is a fruit enjoyed by many and is a favorite of summertime events such as picnics and fairs.  Did you know that watermelons are 92% water? No wonder they are so refreshing!

Vocabulary:

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Geometric Shapes – Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles and squares.

Pattern – The repetition of any shape, line or color.

Rotational Symmetry - The parts of an image or object organized so that it looks the same after a certain amount of rotation.

JUNE

Month: Aquarium Month, Candy Month, Dairy Month, Fight the Filthy Fly Month, Gay Pride (LGBT Pride) Month, National Accordion Awareness Month, National Adopt a Cat Month, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, Turkey Lovers Month

Week Celebrations: The first week of June is Fishing Week. The second week of June is Email Week.

Special Days in June: Dare Day, Flip a Coin Day, National Bubba Day, National Rocky Road Day, National Doughnut Day (always the first Friday in June), Repeat Day, Applesauce Cake Day, Hug Your Cat Day, National Trails Day (first Saturday in June), Old Maid’s Day, World Environment Day, National Gardening Exercise Day (Get out and exercise with your plants), National Yo-Yo Day, Ramadan (date varies), National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, Best Friends Day, Donald Duck Day, Iced Tea Day, National Corn on the Cob Day, Red Rose Day, Sewing Machine Day, Flag Day, Smile Power Day, Fresh Veggies Day, Nursing Assistants Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, Go Fishing Day, International Panic Day, International Picnic Day, National Hollerin’ Contest Day (third Saturday in June), National Splurge Day, World Juggler’s Day - Saturday closest to June 17th, Father’s Day (third Sunday of the month), National Kissing Day, World Sauntering Day, Finally Summer Day (Summer Solstice, date varies),  Ice Cream Soda Day, Go Skate Day, International Yoga Day, National Chocolate Eclair Day,  National Columnists Day, National Pink Day, Swim a Lap Day, Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday after Father’s Day, Log Cabin Day, National Catfish Day, Beautician’s Day, Forgiveness Day, Sun Glasses Day, Insurance Awareness Day, Paul Bunyan Day, Camera Day, Hug Holiday, International Mud Day, Waffle Iron Day, Meteor Day

JULY

Month: National Blueberry Month, National Anti-Boredom Month, Unlucky Month for weddings, National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month

Week Celebrations: The second week in July is Nude Recreation Week.

Special Days in July: Canada Day, Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, International Joke Day, I Forgot Day, World UFO Day, Build A Scarecrow Day (first Sunday of the month), Compliment Your Mirror Day, Disobedience Day, Stay out of the Sun Day, July 4th is Independence Day (U.S.), National Country Music Day, Work-a-holics Day, International Kissing Day, National Fried Chicken Day, Chocolate Day, National Strawberry Sundae Day, Video Games Day, National Sugar Cookie Day, Teddy Bear Picnic Day, Cheer up the Lonely Day, World Population Day, Different Colored Eyes Day, Pecan Pie Day, Barbershop Music Appreciation Day, Embrace Your Geekness Day, Fool’s Paradise Day, Bastille Day, Pandemonium Day, National Nude Day, Tapioca Pudding Day, Cow Appreciation Day- Go out and give a cow a hug, Fresh Spinach Day, National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday of the month), Peach Ice Cream Day, Yellow Pig Day, National Caviar Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, National Lollipop Day, Moon Day, Ugly Truck Day, National Junk Food Day, Hammock Day, Ratcatcher’s Day, National Hot Dog Day, Vanilla Ice Cream Day, Amelia Earhart Day, Cousins Day, Parent’s Day  (fourth Sunday in July), Culinarians Day, Threading the Needle Day, All or Nothing Day, Aunt and Uncle Day, Take Your Pants for a Walk Day, National Milk Chocolate Day, National Lasagna Day, National Cheesecake Day, Father-in-Law Day, International Day of Friendship, Mutt’s Day, System Administrator Appreciation Day

AUGUST

Month: Admit You’re Happy Month, Family Fun Month, National Catfish Month, National Golf Month, Peach Month, Romance Awareness Month, Water Quality Month, National Picnic Month

Week Celebrations: The first week in August is National Simplify your Life Week. The second week in August is National Smile Week. The third week in August is Friendship Week. The fourth week in August is Be Kind to Humankind Week.

Special Days in August: National Raspberry Cream Pie Day, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, National Watermelon Day, U.S. Coast Guard Day, Summer Olympics begin in Rio, Work Like a Dog Day, National Mustard Day first Saturday, Wiggle Your Toes Day, Friendship Day (First Sunday in August), International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August, National Lighthouse Day, Sisters Day (First Sunday in August), Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day, Book Lover’s Day, Chinese Valentine’s Day/Daughter’s Day (7th day of 7th Lunar Month), Lazy Day, National S’mores Day, Presidential Joke Day, Son and Daughter Day, Middle Child’s Day, Left Hander’s Day, National Creamsicle Day, V-J Day/ Victory over Japan Day (or September), Relaxation Day, National Tell a Joke Day, National Thriftshop Day, Bad Poetry Day, Aviation Day, National Radio Day, Senior Citizen’s Day, Be an Angel Day, National Tooth Fairy Day (and/or February 28), Ride the Wind Day, Vesuvius Day, Kiss and Make Up Day, National Dog Day, Women’s Equality Day, Global Forgiveness Day, Just Because Day, Race Your Mouse Day, More Herbs, Less Salt Day, Frankenstein Day, Toasted Marshmallow Day, National Trail Mix Day

9-11 REMEMBER RIBBON

Know:

Contour Line, Curve, Diagonal, Layer, Overlapping

Understand:

• How to create an effective design using simple shapes.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Overlapping.

• How to create the illusion of depth and layers so that parts of a drawing appear to be in front of or behind other parts.

Do:

• View and discuss examples of two-dimensional images which have near and far elements, focusing on how overlap and differences in size help to achieve an illusion of depth.

• Follow the steps in the handout to create the image of a “9-11 Remember Ribbon”. The overlapping will indicate which parts of the ribbon appear to be on top (in front) and which parts appear to be on the bottom (behind).

The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaeda on the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The attacks targeted symbolic U.S. landmarks. Numerous memorials have been constructed in memory of this day, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington County, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in a field near Shanksville, PA.

Vocabulary:

Contour Line – The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way or, something that has the shape of a curve, such as an arc.

Diagonal – Having a slanted direction. Any straight edge or line that is neither horizontal nor vertical is diagonal.

Layer – To place or draw an item on top of another item.

Overlap – When one thing lies over another and partially covers it. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying the illusion of depth in a drawing.

ACORN

Know:

Contour, Curve, Line Art, Oval

Understand:

• Simple shapes and lines combined together can create more complex objects.

• There are many different ways to approach shading.

• Using line art as a basis for adding shade.

Do:

Use the tutorial to create an acorn and leaf design. Shade to indicate the illusion of form and depth. Remember: As you continue to shade, the original outline of your drawing should begin to blend in with the shadows. Just as objects in real life are not outlined, your realistic drawing should not be outlined either.

The acorn, or oak nut, is the nut of the oaks and their close relatives. It usually contains a single seed enclosed in a tough, leathery shell, and borne in a cup-shaped cupule. Acorns vary from 1–6 cm long and 0.8–4 cm broad. Acorns take between 6 and 24 months (depending on the species) to mature.

Acorns fall off their parent trees when they mature, which typically occurs between September and early November in the United States. The exact time of maturation varies slightly with different types of oak trees.

Vocabulary:

Contour – The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.

Curve - A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Line Art - Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed against a (usually plain) background, without gradations in shade (darkness) or hue (color) to represent two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects.

Oval - An egg-like two-dimensional shape that looks like a circle that has been stretched to make it longer. The two ends of an oval may or may not be the same size and shape. Oval can be either a noun or an adjective. A three-dimensional form with oval shape is an ovoid.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Perspective, Simplify

Understand:

• Several images can be combined together to create an interesting, original scene.

• The principles of line art.

Do:

Choose several of the items in this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a unique, back-to-school design. Use balance and layering to create interest.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

Know:

Line, Musical Staff, Overlapping, Recede

Understand:

• Conveying an illusion of depth and receding space through line.

• Line can show movement in an artwork.

Do:

Celebrate classical music month by illustrating a decorative staff with musical notes. Extra: Add your favorite classical instrument.

September is Classical Music Month. Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western music and encompasses a broad span of time from roughly the 11th century to the present day. The most outstanding characteristic of classical music is that the repertoire tends to be written down in musical notation, creating a musical part or score. This score typically determines details of rhythm, pitch and how the various parts are coordinated. The symphony orchestra is the most widely known medium for classical music and includes (but is not limited to) members of the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families of instruments.

NOTE: The staff and symbols used in this tutorial are decorative and intended to be used as a design. Traditional staffs consist of parallel lines and do not appear to recede into the background.

Vocabulary:

Line - A mark with length and direction. An element of art which refers to the continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point. Types of line include: vertical, horizontal, diagonal, straight or ruled, curved, bent, angular, thin, thick or wide, interrupted (dotted, dashed, broken, etc.), blurred, parallel, hatching and spiraling. Line often defines a space, and may create an outline or contour, define a silhouette, create patterns or movement, and the illusion of mass or volume.

Musical Staff – A set of five horizontal lines and four spaces that each represent a different musical pitch. Appropriate music symbols are placed on the staff according to their corresponding pitch or function. Musical notes are placed by pitch while percussion notes are placed by instrument.

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Recede – Appearing to move back or further away from a previous position.

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Know:

Cartoon, Simplify

Understand:

• Characteristics of a cartoon.

• How to simplify and exaggerate a figure.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create an original grandparent character or couple in honor of Grandparents Day.

NOTE: Grandparents can take many forms. They can be young or old, single or part of a couple. This is a tutorial reflecting the idea of a generic grandparent. Your idea of grandparents might look very different from this. Change your cartoon as needed and add lots of “extra’s” to make the artwork unique and personal.

National Grandparents’ Day is a secular holiday celebrated in the United States since 1978 and officially recognized in a number of countries on various days of the year, either as one holiday or sometimes as a separate Grandmothers’ Day and Grandfathers’ Day. One celebrates both paternal and maternal grandparents.

The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Vocabulary:

Cartoon – A form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a typically non-realistic or semi-realistic drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor, or to the artistic style of such works. An artist who creates cartoons is called a cartoonist.

Exaggerate – Overstate, embellish; enlarge or shrink in size.

Simplify - To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

LABOR DAY

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Line art, Simplify

Understand:

• How to simplify a complex image so that it is still recognizable.

• Every image has a story.

Do:

Choose an item from the tutorial (or draw an item with more significance to you) to represent the labor movement.

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. The holiday often marks the end of the traditional summer season (although summer doesn’t officially end until September 21st), as students normally return to school the following week, although school year starting days now vary.

Vocabulary:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

ROSH HASHANAH

Know:

Perspective, Rosh Hashanah, Symbols

Understand:

• Simple shapes and lines combined together can create more complex objects.

• How to add depth and interest to a drawn object.

Do:

Celebrate a sweet Jewish new year by creating an artwork using these suggested traditional Rosh Hashanah objects.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days which usually occur in the early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram’s horn) and eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey to evoke a “sweet new year”. Rosh Hashanah is a two-day celebration, which begins on the first day of Tishrei. Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish civil year, but the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year.

Vocabulary:

Perspective – The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.

Symbol - An object that represents, stands for or suggests an idea, visual image, belief or action. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs.

YOM KIPPUR

Know:

Cylinder, Ellipse, Organic Shape, Overlapping, Shofar, Symbol, Three Dimensional (3D)

Understand:

• Conveying an illusion of depth through overlapping and shadows.

• Symbols in art.

Do:

Create a scroll and shofar drawing to symbolize Yom Kippur. Use shading and overlapping techniques to convey the illusion of 3D.

Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. Yom Kippur is “the tenth day of the seventh month” (Tishrei) and is regarded as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths”. Rosh Hashanah is the first day of that month according to the Hebrew calendar. Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days that commences with Rosh Hashanah.

Vocabulary:

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

Organic Shape – An irregular shape that might be found in nature rather than a regular, mechanical/geometric shape.

Overlap - When one thing lies over or partly covers something else.

Shofar - A musical instrument of ancient origin, made of a horn, traditionally that of a ram, used for Jewish religious purposes.

Symbol - An object that represents, stands for or suggests an idea, visual image, belief or action. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs.

Three Dimensional (3D) – Having, or appearing to have, height, width and depth.

SCHOOL BUS

Using Two Point Perspective

Know:

Two Point Perspective

Understand:

• In linear perspective, all lines appear to meet at either of two points on the horizon.

• Techniques of perspective are used to create the illusion of depth.

• Variation between sizes of subjects.

• Overlapping.

• Placing objects on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher on the page when farther away.

Do: Create an original artwork of a school bus using two vanishing points and receding lines to indicate the illusion of 3D.

Include: windows, doors, headlights and lots of “extra’s”.

Vocabulary:

Depth – The distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork.

Two Point Perspective - A form of linear perspective in which all lines appear to meet at one of two points on the horizon.

NOTE: The bus depicted in this tutorial uses two point perspective, however, only the point used for detailing the side of the bus is shown. If you were to draw the bus using two points, step number one would look like the drawing below. If you have a very long piece of paper you can add the second point as shown on right side of the drawing). If not, follow the tutorial and make the area of the bus that recedes angled slightly toward the area where the point would be.

ROSIE THE RIVETER

Know:

Combine, Contour, Curve, Guideline, Line Art, Vintage

Understand:

• Simple shapes and lines combined together can create more complex objects.

• There are many different ways to approach shading.

• Using line art as a basis for adding shade.

Do:

Use the tutorial to replicate the cultural iconic image of Rosie the Riveter. Shade to indicate the illusion of form and depth. Remember: As you continue to shade, the original outline of your drawing should begin to blend in with the shadows. Just as objects in real life are not outlined, your realistic drawing should not be outlined either.

Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military.

Vocabulary:

Combine – Unite of merge two or more things together.

Contour – The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.

Curve - A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way.

Guideline  - A lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page, or a line of lettering.

Vintage - The class of a dated object with reference to era of production or use. The term can also represent the high quality of a past time.

Month: Hispanic Heritage Month, Fall Hat Month, International Square Dancing Month, National Blueberry Popsicle Month, National Courtesy Month, National Piano Month, Chicken Month, Little League Month, Honey Month, Self-Improvement Month, Better Breakfast Month

Special Days in September: Emma M. Nutt Day (the first woman telephone operator), VJ Day (or August), Newspaper Carrier Day, Be Late for Something Day, Cheese Pizza Day, Fight Procrastination Day, Read a Book Day, Neither Rain nor Snow Day, International Literacy Day, National Date Nut Bread Day, Pardon Day, Sewing Machine Day, Swap Ideas Day, Grandparent’s Day (first Sunday after Labor Day), Make Your Bed Day, National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September), No News is Good News Day, Chocolate Milk Shake Day, National Video Games Day (also in July), Defy Superstition Day, Fortune Cookie Day, Positive Thinking Day, Uncle Sam Day (his image was first used in 1813), National Cream-Filled Donut Day, Make a Hat Day, Felt Hat Day, American Legion Day, Step Family Day, Mayflower Day, Mexican Independence Day, National Play Doh Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday of September), Working Parents Day, National Apple Dumpling Day,  Citizenship Day, Constitution Day, National Cheeseburger Day, National Women’s Friendship Day (third Sunday in September), International Talk Like A Pirate Day, National Butterscotch Pudding Day, National Punch Day, International Peace Day, Miniature Golf Day, World Gratitude Day, Autumn Equinox (First Day of Fall), Business Women’s Day, Elephant Appreciation Day, Checkers Day, Dog in Politics Day, Native American Day (fourth Friday of the month), International Rabbit Day (Fourth Saturday in September), National Cherries Jubilee Day, National Comic Book Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, Crush a Can Day, Oktoberfest begins in Germany, Ask a Stupid Question Day, National Good Neighbor Day (Always September 28th, previously the 4th Sunday in month), Confucius Day, National Mud Pack Day

AUTUMN LEAF

Know:

Organic Shape, Symmetry, Asymmetry

Understand:

Overlapping simple shapes can be the first step to creating complex forms.

Do: Students will:

• Follow the steps provided (or position a selection leaves from life) to create an original still life drawing.

• Start with contour lines and simple geometric shapes and overlap as needed to create guidelines.

• Shade with pencil (or watercolor pencils and use as directed).

Autumn, also known as fall, marks the transition from summer into winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere), when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier and the temperature cools considerably. One of its main features is the shedding of leaves from deciduous trees.

Vocabulary:

Organic - An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical shape.

Symmetry – (or symmetrical balance) - The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other. Also known as formal balance, its opposite is asymmetry — asymmetrical balance.

Symmetry is among the ten classes of patterns.

Still Life - A drawing, painting or photo of inanimate objects positioned on a table (traditionally vessels, fruits, vegetables, etc.).

COLUMBUS DAY

Know:

Contour Line, Overlapping, Perspective, Relative Size, Simplify

Understand:

Drawing several of the same object and varying the size can indicate perspective.

Do:

Draw a ship using the tutorial provided to create an image of one of Columbus’ ships.  Repeat the drawing on a smaller scale, placing it slightly above and behind the original ship to convey perspective.

In the United States, Columbus Day is known as the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12th, 1492. The landing is celebrated as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Raza (“Day of the Race”) in many countries in Latin America, as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Belize and Uruguay, as Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity) in Argentina, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, and as Giornata Nazionale di Cristopher Columbus or Festa Nazionale di Cristoforo Colombo in Italy. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century and officially in various areas since the early 20th century. Columbus led the expedition with three ships; Niña, Pinta, and the Santa Maria.

Vocabulary:

Contour Line - Lines that surround and define the edges of a subject.

Overlap – When one thing lies over another, partly covering something else to convey depth or illusion.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

Relative Size – Objects that diminish in size the further away they are from the observer.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand; to leave out small details and focus on larger details.

DRAW SOMETHING WICKED

Know:

• You can create a complex, original character by using simple, geometric shapes.

• Adding details to a generic drawing can make a unique artwork.

Understand:

• To make an artwork original, that work must have elements that are not copied or traced.

• Expressive qualities in your drawing add a feeling, mood or idea to your character.

• Characters should have a detailed backstory to create interest.

Do:

Practice creating an original character using the provided samples as inspiration. Draw lightly so guidelines can be erased if needed. Add or change certain elements as necessary to make the artwork unique. Combine several elements seen in the lesson or make up your own to create a character with a name and a back story of your choosing. Use your imagination and add a lot of “extra’s”.

TIPS:

• Choose a name for your character. This will help to personalize him or her.

• Think about the kind of impact you want your creature to have. Decide what his or her goals are and why the creature looks the way it does.

• Accessories can be a huge part of your character. Take time to plan the little clothing your character is wearing or items/tools that he or she uses.

• Develop the creature’s history and background: where it came from, how it was created and why it acts the way it does.

• To get inspiration, take a peek at the sample characters and body parts in this lesson but put your own spin on them to make it original!

Vocabulary:

Expressive Qualities - The feelings, moods and ideas communicated to the viewer through a work of art.

Original – Any work considered to be an authentic example of the works of an artist, rather than a reproduction, imitation or a copy.

DRIP LETTERING

Know:

Block Letter, Drip, Shadow, Stagger

Understand:

The illusion of depth can be created by adding a simple shadow thickness.

Do:

Follow the techniques provided to create the illusion of drip lettering with a 3D shadow edge. See the Alphabet Cheat Sheet in the July chapter for information on drawing block letters.

Block Letter – A letter drawn that uses the edges straight edges. Block letters usually have a thickness.

Drip – A trail of falling liquid or shed drops of liquid.

Shadow – A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Stagger - An arrangement of things in a zigzag order or so that they are not in line.

Tip: Block letters have sharp corners and are not rounded. If you want rounded edges on your letters, draw the block letters lightly and then modify them as needed. When you draw lightly, it is easier to erase.

GHOST CAT

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Original, Overlapping, Pattern, Subtle

Understand:

• You can create a complex cat drawing by using simple, geometric shapes.

• To make an art work original, that work must have elements that are not copied or traced.

• How to create interest in an artwork by adding several elements and “secret” images.

Do:

Draw a cat (or other animal of your choice) using simple shapes as guidelines. Draw lightly so guidelines can be erased if needed. Add to those shapes by overlapping and layering to create a more complex drawing. Finalize the artwork by adding a pattern on the fur. Include a simplified image as part of that pattern to create a point of interest or hidden design. Blend the “secret” image into the animal so it looks like a natural fur pattern. On close inspection, the image will be revealed. Put the cat (or other animal of your choice) in a scene or add other items to create more interest or diversion from the “secret” pattern.

IDEAS: This tutorial shows the image of a ghost on the cat’s forehead, however, there are many other “secret” patterns that can be hidden on the animal of your choice including: a short word or set of numbers, someone’s name or initials, the contour of a specific country or state, a flag pattern, a simple flower, a religious symbol, a product logo, a peace symbol, the yin yang icon, a simplified face or jack-o-lantern style eyes/nose/mouth, a fleur de lis, superhero logos (batman or superman), the anarchy symbol, gender symbols, music notes, dove, clover, lightning bolt, dollar sign, Asian symbols, etc.

Vocabulary:

Geometric Shapes - Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles, squares, etc.

Original – Any work considered to be an authentic example of the works of an artist, rather than a reproduction, imitation or a copy.

Overlapping – The placement of objects over one another in order to create the illusion of depth.

Pattern - A repeating unit of shape or form in an artwork.

Subtle - So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe.

HALLOWEEN CREATURES

Know:

You can make original cartoon-style creatures by using simple, geometric shapes

Understand:

• To make a work original, that work must have elements that are not copied or traced.

• Expressive qualities in your drawing add a feeling, mood or idea to your character.

Do:

Practice creating original, Halloween themed cartoon-style characters using the geometric guidelines provided. Draw lightly so guidelines can be erased if needed. Add or change certain elements as necessary to make it unique. Try to create a character NOT seen on the handout. Use your imagination and add a lot of “extra’s”.

Vocabulary:

Cartoon – A usually simple drawing created to get people thinking, angry, laughing, or otherwise amused. A cartoon usually has simple lines, uses basic colors, and tells a story in one or a series of pictures called frames or panels.

Expressive Qualities - The feelings, moods and ideas communicated to the viewer through a work of art.

Original – Any work considered to be an authentic example of the works of an artist, rather than a reproduction, imitation or a copy.

HALLOWEEN SILHOUETTES

Know:

Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Geometric, Gradation, Outline, Silhouette

Understand:

• The impact of contrast and emphasis.

• Using simple guidelines to build more complex objects.

• Adding a simple gradation of tones to the background can add interest to an artwork.

DO:

Create a unique and eye catching Halloween scene using simple geometric shapes to form silhouetted complex objects. The silhouette is successful if you can tell what it is.

Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is a celebration observed in a number of countries every year on October 31st. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories and watching horror films. Halloween costumes are traditionally modeled after supernatural figures such as vampires, monsters, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. Over time, the costume selection has extended to include popular characters from fiction, celebrities, and generic archetypes such as ninjas and princesses.

VOCABULARY:

Balance – The distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space.

Contrast – The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.

Emphasis – An area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.

Geometric - Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles, squares, etc.

Gradation – A gradual changing from one tint or shade to another.

Outline - A line indicating the outer contours or boundaries of an object or figure.

Silhouette – The shape or outline of an object.

Watercolor Wash – (Flat Wash) A smooth, even layer of watercolors. This is best done with a large flat brush, which can minimize the amount of space you need to cover manually, and help keep the paint even.

EXTENSION: Try creating a silhouetted scene with a colorful wash of watercolors in the background. Lay down a watercolor wash using a variety of shades that blend into one another. Let it dry completely and then draw a silhouetted scene on top of it. Fill in the silhouettes with black marker. Colors that would complement a Halloween scene are oranges and yellows or blues and purples.

ICE HOCKEY SEASON

Know:

Circle, Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Perspective, Simplify

Understand:

• Several images can be combined together to create an interesting, original scene.

• How to draw a scene using perspective.

• The principles of line art.

DO:

Choose several of the items in this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a scene celebrating the start of hockey season. Use perspective and layering to create the illusion of depth.

Ice Hockey is a contact team sport played on ice, usually in a rink, in which two teams of skaters use their sticks to shoot a vulcanized rubber puck into their opponent’s net to score points. Ice hockey teams usually consist of four lines of three forwards, three pairs of defense-men, and two goal-tenders. Normally, each team has five players who skate up and down the ice trying to take the puck and score a goal against the opposing team. Teams normally have a goaltender as their sixth on-ice player, whose job is to prevent the puck from entering the goal. A fast-paced physical sport (leading to the nickname “The Fastest Game on Earth”), hockey is most popular in areas of North America (particularly Canada and the northern United States) and Europe. In North America, the National Hockey League (NHL) is the highest level for men’s hockey and the most popular.  Hockey season starts around October and ends around the month of April.

VOCABULARY:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character. An image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

HOODED FIGURE

Know:

Drapery, Gradation, Texture, Value

Understand:

• Texture is used by artists to show how something might feel or what it is made of.

• The study of ways to represent drapery is essential in the development of an artist’s skills. Drapery folds are composed of curving surfaces reflecting gradations of value.

DO:

Draw a hooded figure using drapery, value and texture. Start with simple curves for the basic form then add lines to indicate folds within the fabric and shade to indicate depth and perspective.

A hooded skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a long, black, hooded robe, also known as the grim reaper, is a popular costume on Halloween.

VOCABULARY:

Drapery - Cloth or a representation of cloth arranged to hang in folds.

Gradation - A gradual change from dark to light values.

Grim - Forbidding or uninviting.

Reaper - A person or machine that harvests a crop.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc.

Value - The lightness or darkness of a color.

HOODED SKULL

Know:

Drapery, Gradation, Guidelines, Texture, Value

Understand:

• The basics of proportion to create a skull.

• Texture is used by artists to show how something might feel or what it is made of.

• The study of ways to represent drapery is essential in the development of an artist’s skills. Drapery folds are composed of curving surfaces and reflecting gradations of value.

DO:

Draw a hooded skull utilizing value and texture. Start with a simplified skull outline then add curves to indicate a hood (including folds within the fabric) and shade to indicate depth and perspective.

VOCABULARY:

Drapery - Cloth or a representation of cloth arranged to hang in folds.

Gradation - A gradual change from dark to light values.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc.

Value - The lightness or darkness of a color.

MAJOR PARTS OF THE HUMAN SKULL

Cranium – Portion of the skull that encloses the braincase.

Human Skull - Supports the structures of the face and forms a cavity for the brain.

Mandible – The lower jawbone.

Proportion – The comparative sizes and placement of one part to another.

JACK O’LANTERN

Know:

Balance, Form, 3D

Understand:

• Adding pattern and shading to an object give it form and dimension.

• The use of receding lines to show perspective.

DO:

Start with a basic pumpkin and then “carve” a design onto it using the tips and tricks provided. Add lots of “extra’s” and be sure that all of the “carved” parts are connected – no floating pieces! Be original!

A jack-o’-lantern is a carved pumpkin associated with the holiday of Halloween. The top of the pumpkin is cut off to form a lid and the inside flesh is scooped out. An image (usually a monstrous or comical face) is carved out of the rind to expose the hollow interior. To create the lantern effect, a light source is placed within before the lid is closed. The light source is traditionally a flame such as a candle or tea light, but artificial jack-’o-lanterns with electric lights are also marketed. It is common to see jack-o’-lanterns on doorsteps and otherwise used as decorations prior to and on Halloween.

For the tips on drawing a basic pumpkin, see “pumpkin” in the November chapter.

VOCABULARY:

Balance - the way the elements of art are arranged in an artwork to create a feeling of stability, a pleasing arrangement, or proportion of parts in a composition.

Form – A three-dimensional shape (height, width, and depth) that encloses volume.

Three-Dimensional - Having, or appearing to have, height, width, and depth.

NATIONAL CAT DAY

Know: Combine, Overlap, Proportion, Tubular

Understand:

• Shading using value will achieve a more realistic rendering.

• The difference between shape and form.

• How to create an effective likeness of an oriental shorthair breed cat using simple shapes.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

DO:

• Practice breaking down complex objects into simple shapes by looking around the room at items and visually simplifying them.

• Follow the steps provided and create your own version of Dexter (or your own favorite kitty-cat). Begin by drawing simple geometric shapes and connecting them to create a more complex, organic shape that resembles the breed. Add “Extra’s” like fur texture, whiskers, collar, etc. Shade to indicate form or pattern. Erase areas for highlights.

National Cat Day was founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. It is a celebration that takes place on October 29th, every year in the United States. The National Cat Day website states that the holiday was first celebrated in 2005, “to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.” The day is supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit organization which also works to encourage pet adoption.

International Cat Day was created on August 8th, 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. World Cat Day is celebrated on February 17th in much of Europe and on March 1st, in Russia.

VOCABULARY:

Combine – Two or more objects put together.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Proportion - The proportion relationship of one part to another in an object or the whole object with respect to size, quantity, degree or number.

Tubular – Having a cylindrical body in the form or shape of a tube.

SPOOKY OWL

Know:

Balance, Curve, Geometric shapes, Highlight, Texture

Understand:

• Shading using value will achieve a more realistic rendering.

• The difference between shape and form.

• How to arrange elements in an artwork so that they appear symmetrical or equally balanced.

• How to create an effective design using simple shapes.

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

DO:

• Practice breaking down complex objects into simple shapes by looking around the room at items and visually simplifying them.

• Follow the steps provided and create your own version of a spooky owl. Begin by drawing simple geometric shapes and connecting them to create a more complex, organic shape that resembles the bird. Add “Extra’s” like feather details, highlights and textures. Shade to indicate form. Erase areas for highlights.

VOCABULARY:

Balance - A principle of design, balance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work; a pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or areas in a design or composition.

Combine – Two or more objects put together.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way or, something that has the shape of a curve, such as an arc.

Geometric Shape - A non-organic shape that utilizes rectilinear or simple curvilinear motifs or outlines in design.

Highlight - The area on any surface which reflects the most light; to direct attention to or emphasize an area of a drawing through use of value.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brush strokes, pencil lines, etc.

WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY

Know:

Cross Contour Line, Overlapping, Perspective, Relative Size, Still Life

Understand:

All objects in an artwork need to be seen as separate from each other. These objects must be seen as belonging to different planes. To show the appearance of one object in front of another, the far object must be incomplete, blocked by an object in front of it.

DO:

• View and discuss examples of overlapping and images which have near and far elements, focusing on how overlap and size difference help to achieve an illusion of depth.

• Follow the steps provided (or position a selection of vegetables from life) to create an original still life drawing with a vegetable theme.

• Start with contour lines and simple geometric shapes and overlap as needed to create guidelines.

World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on October 1st. It is a day of celebration established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978, to bring awareness to the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. World Vegetarian Day initiates the month of October as Vegetarian Awareness Month, which ends with November 1st, World Vegan Day, as the end of that month of celebration.

VOCABULARY:

Cross Contour Line - Lines that curve over an object’s surface in a vertical or horizontal manner (or both) and reveal the item’s surface characteristics.

Overlap – When one thing lies over another, partly covering something else to convey depth or illusion.

Relative Size – Objects that diminish in size the further away they are from the observer.

Shading - Showing change from light to dark or dark to light in a picture.

Still Life - A drawing, painting or photo of inanimate objects positioned on a table (traditionally vessels, fruits, vegetables, etc.).

Month: American Pharmacist Month, Apple Jack Month, Clergy Appreciation Month, Cookie Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Eat Country Ham Month, International Drum Month, Lupus Awareness Month, National Diabetes Month, National Vegetarian Month, National Popcorn Popping Month, Sarcastic Month, Seafood Month, Feral Cat Month

Special Days in October: National Custodial Worker Day, Name Your Car Day, World Smile Day (first Friday of the month), International Frugal Fun Day (first Saturday of the month), Techies Day, Virus Appreciation Day, National Golf Day, National Frappe Day, Oktoberfest in Germany ends (date varies), Do Something Nice Day, World Teacher’s Day, Come and Take it Day, Mad Hatter Day, Physician Assistant Day, Bald and Free Day, National Kale Day (first Wednesday of the month), American Touch Tag Day, Curious Events Day, Fire Prevention Day, Leif Erikson Day, Moldy Cheese Day, World Egg Day (second Friday of the month), National Angel Food Cake Day, It’s My Party Day, Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day, Cookbook Launch Day, Old Farmer’s Day, Moment of Frustration Day, International Skeptics Day, Be Bald and Free Day, Emergency Nurses Day (second Wednesday of month), National Dessert Day, White Cane Safety Day, Bosses Day, Dictionary Day, Sweetest Day (third Saturday of the month), Wear Something Gaudy Day, International Newspaper Carrier Day, No Beard Day, Evaluate Your Life Day, Brandied Fruit Day, Babbling Day, Count Your Buttons Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, National Nut Day, National Mole Day, TV Talk Show Host Day, Make a Difference Day (fourth Saturday of the month), National Bologna Day, United Nations Day, Mother-In-Law Day (fourth Sunday of the month), Punk for a Day, World Pasta Day, National Mincemeat Day, National Tell a Story Day (in Scotland and the U.K.), Navy Day, Plush Animal Lover’s Day, Hermit Day, Frankenstein Friday (last Friday in October), National Candy Corn Day, Mischief Night, Carve a Pumpkin Day and Increase Your Psychic Powers Day, National Cat Day.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

November 1st and 2nd

Know:

Dia de los Muertos, Sugar Skull, Symmetry

Understand:

• The use of proportion and guidelines to create a head and generic features.

• The meaning and uses of sugar skulls related to Mexican culture.

• Popular designs used when creating sugar skulls.

DO:

• Practice drawing a generic human face/head using the proposed techniques.

• Explore the tradition of using and decorating sugar skulls, then, create an original sugar skull composition based on popular designs.

TIPS:

Supposedly the symbolism of a sugar skull is rooted in the decoration around the eyes. Flowers are meant to symbolize life, while cob webs symbolize death. Burning candles set inside the eyes are a sign of remembrance. These items can also be used in combination to personalize the main focus of the skull as well. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas on how to adorn your sugar skull, just choose designs or images that you like.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey. People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

VOCABULARY:

Sugar Skull – Sugar skulls are art pieces often made in Mexico created using molded sugar, feathers, beads, foil and icing to decorate gravestones in celebration of The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). Sugar skulls are made from very few ingredients - sugar, meringue powder, and water. The mixture is pressed into a mold and allowed to dry, creating a plain white three-dimensional skull. The artistic part of sugar skull creation is how it’s decorated once the molded skull is formed.

Symmetry – The parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates or mirrors the other.

ELECTION DAY

Know:

Contour, Cube, Perspective

Understand:

How to add perspective to an art work so that is appears to be three dimensional.

DO:

Draw your version of a ballot box using line and perspective.

Election Day in the United States of America is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2nd and November 8th. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials.

A ballot box is a temporarily sealed container, usually square box though sometimes a tamper resistant bag, with a narrow slot in the top sufficient to accept a ballot paper in an election but which prevents anyone from accessing the votes cast until the close of the voting period.

VOCABULARY:

Contour - An outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something.

Cube - A solid bounded by six equal squares, the angle between any two adjacent faces being a right angle.

Perspective - A technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface.

PLYMOUTH ROCK with Shading

Know:

Blend, Contrast, Highlight, Texture, Value Scale

Understand:

Shading adds depth, realism, contrast and character to your drawings by capturing the shadows and highlights of your object.

DO:

Create a line drawing of the Plymouth Rock using an oval shape as a guide. Next, create the shape of the rock using curves and lines. Follow the steps to gradually darken and add texture to the rock, each time adding a thin layer of shade. The contrast between light areas and dark areas should become more clear and distinct after the completion of each step. Erase areas for highlights.

NOTES: Observe the object that is being shaded and start by lightly outlining areas of darkness or shadow. Once the shaded areas have been outlined, lightly darken them taking care to keep the lighter areas untouched. Gently blending the light areas into the darker helps to create realistic shading.

Plymouth Rock is the traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. It is an important symbol in American history. Thirty-five of the Pilgrims were members of the radical English Separatist Church and traveled to America to escape the jurisdiction of the Church of England, which they found corrupt. Ten years earlier, English persecution had led a group of Separatists to flee to Holland in search of religious freedom.

VOCABULARY:

Blend – To mix pencil marks smoothly together on a surface. This is sometimes called feathering.

Contrast – A large difference between two things; for example, dark and light.

Highlight – The area on any surface which reflects the most light. Highlights and shadows are important to the achievement of realistic shading.

Texture - The way something looks like it might feel like in an artwork. Simulated textures are suggested by an artist with different brushstrokes, pencil lines, etc. Texture describes either the way a three-dimensional work actually feels when touched, or the visual “feel” of a two-dimensional work.

Value Scale - Values are the lights and darks of your drawing. A complete value scale will range from white all the way to black with many shades of gray in between.

See the “Carved Numbers” and “Carved Letters” pages for a tutorial on how to create a realistic “carved” look for text on drawn stone.

PUMPKIN

Know:

Shading, Layering, Foreshortening, Overlapping

Understand:

• Value added to a shape (2D) when drawing creates form (3D).

• The lightness or darkness of a value indicates a light source on an object.

DO:

Draw your version of a pumpkin using the tips and tricks provided. The center of your pumpkin should be lower on the page and the sides should appear to recede back to show foreshortening. Don’t trace. Shade.

Native Americans introduced pumpkins and squashes to the Pilgrims. Pumpkins were an important food source for the pilgrims, as they stored well, which meant they would have a nutritious food source during the winter months. It is documented that pumpkins were served at the second Thanksgiving celebration.

NOTES:

• Observe the object that is being shaded and start by lightly outlining areas of darkness or shadow.

• Once the shaded areas have been outlined, lightly darken them taking care to keep the lighter areas untouched.

• Gently blending the light areas into the darker helps to create realistic shading.

VOCABULARY:

Blend - To merge tones applied to a surface so that there is no crisp line indicating a beginning or ending of one tone.

Foreshortening - A way of representing an object so that it conveys the illusion of depth, seeming to thrust forward or go back into space. Foreshortening’s success often depends upon a point of view or perspective in which the sizes of near and far parts of a subject contrast greatly.

Overlapping – When one thing lies over another, partly covering something else.

Shading - Showing change from light to dark or dark to light in a picture.

PUMPKIN WITH FOCAL POINT

Know:

Contrast, Emphasis, Guideline, Focal Point, Sketch

Understand:

• How to direct a viewer’s attention toward a specific area of an artwork.

• The power of multiple tones and contrast used in a single art work.

• Rendering lines lightly when first starting a drawing allows for easy erasing and fewer permanently misplaced lines.

DO:

Follow the techniques shown to create an artwork with many items (pumpkins in this case). Choose an area of the artwork that will attract the viewer’s attention. This involves making a portion of the image stand out by adding detail or contrast to a particular area. This tutorial shows how to create an artwork with one object out of many as the focal point. This is done by adding more detail and darkness to that item so it stands out from the rest. This could also be created to stand out in other ways such as the addition of color, sharp focus, isolation, placement, size, contrast, leading lines and convergence.

TIP: To create more interest and movement, chose an area of the artwork to be the focal point that is not directly in the center.

VOCABULARY:

Contrast – A large difference between two things; for example, hot and cold, green and red, light and shadow. Closely related to emphasis, this term refers to a way of juxtaposing elements of art to stress the differences between them. Used in this way, contrast can excite, emphasize and direct attention to points of interest.

Emphasis - An area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point. Subordination is defined as minimizing or toning down other compositional elements in order to bring attention to the focal point.

Guideline - A lightly marked line used as a guide when composing a drawing or painting.

Focal Point – The center of interest or activity.

Sketch - A rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to assist in making a more finished picture.

ROASTED TURKEY

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Overlapping

Understand:

• The importance of tradition.

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

DO:

Follow the steps provided to create Roasted Turkey. Add lots of “extra’s”, such as a turkey on a set table with side dishes and place settings to make it unique.

The centerpiece of a contemporary Thanksgiving dinner in the United States and Canada is a roasted turkey. The majority of the other dishes in the traditional American version of Thanksgiving dinner are made from foods native to the New World. According to tradition, the Pilgrims received these foods from the Native Americans. However, many of the classic traditions attributed to the first Thanksgiving are actually myths later introduced. Many believe the pilgrims had turkey on that first Thanksgiving, although it is much more likely that cod, seal, lobster, venison, and other fowl, were served at the very first feast, not turkey.

VOCABULARY:

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

TURKEY

Know:

Geometric Shapes, Organic Shapes, Overlapping

Understand:

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object.

DO:

Follow the steps provided to create a Turkey. Add lots of “extra’s”, such as feather details, patterns or a background.

The turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris, which is native to the Americas. One species, Meleagris gallopavo (commonly known as the domestic turkey or wild turkey), is native to the forests of North America, mainly Mexico and the United States. Males of both turkey species have a distinctive fleshy wattle or protuberance that hangs from the top of the beak (called a snood). They are among the largest birds in their ranges. The male is larger and much more colorful than the female.

VOCABULARY:

Geometric Shapes – Shapes that are typically regular or symmetrical and found in geometry.

Overlapping – When one thing lies over and partly covers something else.

Organic Shapes - Shapes that are typically irregular or asymmetrical and found in nature.

VETERANS DAY

Know:

Simplify, Stylize, Symbols

Understand:

• Overlapping simple shapes is the first step to creating complex forms.

• Traditional Symbols used in art and society.

DO:

Follow the steps provided (or use a selection of images, text and symbols of your choice) to create an original Veterans Day tribute drawing.

Veterans Day is an official United States federal holiday that is observed annually on November 11th, honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans. It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I (major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect). The United States also originally observed Armistice Day; it then evolved into the current Veterans Day holiday in 1954. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who gave their lives and those who perished while in service.

VOCABULARY:

Simplify – To reduce in complexity or extent or make easier to understand.

Stylize – An object represented in a non-naturalistic conventional form; to design in or cause to conform to a particular style, as of representation or treatment in art; conventionalize.

Symbol - An object that represents, stands for or suggests an idea, visual image, belief or action. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs.

A special thank you to the servicemen and servicewomen who have served our country and protected our freedom and the special veterans in my life:

Albert Duseault Sr.  Albert Duseault Jr.  Kenneth G. Holmes  David L. Thayer  Donald Holmes  John McRae  Troy Caffey  Jesse Holmes  Henry Holmes  Stephen C. Hoag  Jeffrey B. Costello  E. Carl Johnson  Russell Gouldrup  Peter Balentine

Month: Aviation History Month, Child Safety Protection Month, International Drum Month, National Adoption Awareness Month, National Epilepsy Month, National Model Railroad Month, National Novel Writing Month, Native American Heritage Month, Peanut Butter Lovers Month, Real Jewelry Month, National Sleep Comfort Month, National Caregivers Month

Special Days in November: All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day, Deviled Egg Day, Look for Circles Day, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Housewife’s Day, Sandwich Day, King Tut Day, Gunpowder Day, Guy Fawkes Day, Men Make Dinner Day (first Thursday of the Month), Saxophone Day, Book Lovers Day (first Saturday of the month), Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, Cook Something Bold Day, Chaos Never Dies Day, Forget-Me-Not Day, USMC Day, Young Readers Day (second Tuesday of the month), Veteran’s Day, Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, National Indian Pudding Day, National Stress Awareness Day, Sadie Hawkins Day, World Kindness Day, Operating Room Nurse Day, World Diabetes Day, Clean Your Refrigerator Day, America Recycles Day, National Philanthropy Day, Button Day, Have a Party With Your Bear Day, Electronic Greeting Card Day, Homemade Bread Day, Take A Hike Day, World Peace Day, Occult Day, Have a Bad Day Day, Absurdity Day, Beautiful Day, Universal Children’s Day, False Confession Day, National Adoption Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving), World Hello Day, Go For a Ride Day, Eat a Cranberry Day, National Cashew Day, Evolution Day, All Our Uncles are Monkeys Day, National Parfait Day, Shopping Reminder Day, Black Friday (Friday after Thanksgiving), Buy Nothing Day (always the day after Thanksgiving), Cyber Monday, (Monday after Thanksgiving), Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after Thanksgiving), Pins and Needles Day, You’re Welcome Day (the day after Thanksgiving), Make Your Own Head Day, Red Planet Day, Square Dance Day, Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day

ANGEL WINGS

Know:

Asymmetry, Balance, Ellipse, Symmetry

Understand:

Balance helps to create interest or design in an artwork. Symmetry and asymmetry offer two kinds of balance.

DO:

• Practice symmetry by drawing an angel with wings that are the same shape on both sides using the ideas provided.

OR

• Practice asymmetry by drawing an angel with wings that are at different positions on both sides using the ideas provided.

• Add “extra’s” like a halo, facial features, clothing, etc.

VOCABULARY:

Asymmetry – An object is different on both sides.

Ellipse - An oval shape, traced by a point moving in a plane so that the sum of its distances from two other points is constant, or resulting when a cone is cut by an oblique plane that does not intersect the base.

Balance - A principle of design, balance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work. A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Symmetry – One side of an object is the same as the other.

ANGEL

Know:

Asymmetry, Balance, Drapery, Flowing, Guideline, Line, Symbolize

Understand:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects.

• Recognizing and celebrating the variety of symbolism angels represent.

Placing angel ornaments on top of Christmas trees is a beloved holiday tradition. Angels played an important role in the first Christmas. Gabriel, the archangel of revelation, informed the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ on Earth, an angel visited Joseph in a dream to tell him that he would serve as Jesus’ father on Earth, and a vast amount of angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce and celebrate Jesus’ birth as the world’s savior. People place angels on the top of their Christmas trees to symbolize the significance of the angels who appeared on the first Christmas. Sometimes a star is used instead to represent the bright star that appeared in the sky to guide people to Jesus’ birthplace.

VOCABULARY:

Asymmetry – An object or design that is different on both sides. Lack of symmetry.

Balance - A principle of design, balance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work. A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Drapery – The draping or arranging of hangings, clothing, etc., in graceful folds.

Flowing – Hanging or draping loosely and gracefully.

Guideline – A lightly marked line used as a guide that is often erased after it is utilized.

Line - An identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.

Symbolize - Something that represents, suggests or stands for something else.

Christmas Barn

Know:

Simple steps to create a ¾ view of a house

Understand:

One way to create the appearance of a 3D house showing perspective at a ¾ view.

Do:

Create an original Holiday barn in a landscape scene showing perspective. Add trees and shade.

VOCABULARY:

Landscape – An artwork which depicts scenery. There is usually some sky in the scene.

Perspective - The illusion of 3D on a 2D surface, creating a sense of depth and receding space.

Three-Quarter (3/4) View - A view of a face or any other subject which is half-way between a full and a side view.

CHRISTMAS CANDLE

Know:

Cylinder, Highlight, Value

Understand:

• Cylinders in art give the appearance of a 3D circular tube.

• Varying the value of tones when shading can help to create interest and realism.

• Embellishing an object so it appears more festive or holiday themed.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create your own depiction of a burning candle.

• Use value to indicate areas of darkness and lightness.

• Erase some areas to create highlights (more nearest the flame).

There are many different reasons why candles are associated with Christmas including the use of candles during winter solstice celebrations as a way of remembering that spring will come soon. One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages, where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Jesus is often called “The Light of the World” which may have started the custom of the Advent Crown and Advent Candles. Candles were also originally used to decorate Christmas trees until safer electric lights were invented. The tradition of placing a lighted Christmas candle at the window dates back to the Medieval era. A legend told that on Christmas Eve the Christ Child wandered throughout the world, looking for places where he would be welcomed. People placed a lighted Christmas candle in the window as a sign that He would be welcome in their home. From this custom another tradition of Christians arose which was to welcome into their homes all who knocked at their doors on Christmas Eve.

VOCABULARY:

Cylinder – A tube that appears three dimensional.

Highlight - The area on any surface which reflects the most light; to direct attention to or emphasize an area of a drawing through use of value.

Value – The lightness or darkness of a color or tone.

CHRISTMAS GOODIES

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Simplify

Understand:

Popular images of the Christmas season.

Do:

Choose an item from the tutorial (or draw an item with more significance to you) to represent the Christmas Season. Try drawing several of these images in a scene or creating a pop-up greeting card focusing on the image of your choice (See the Pop-up Greeting card tutorial in this Chapter).

A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers.

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir (or an artificial tree of similar appearance) associated with the celebration of Christmas. The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

The Santa hat is part of the outfit worn by Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. In The U.S., Santa usually wears a white fur trimmed red jacket, hat and pants with a broad buckled belt and black boots.

In many cultures, Santa Claus travels the world on Christmas Eve delivering gifts in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. Hoof prints are tracks that the reindeer leave.

The candy cane was originated in Germany about 250 years ago. A story says that a choirmaster was worried that some children would be unable to sit quietly through a long Christmas nativity service, so they were given a sweet treat to keep them quiet.

If you are a naughty child, you will get coal in your stocking instead of presents. This idea has many origins but a popular theory states that it stems from the mid-19th century. It was believed that people were poor because they were being punished. Most household furnaces in England and Europe were powered by coal, so coal had value. If you were a poor kid, you were lucky to get coal for cold winter nights. The rich had nice warm houses and lots of goodies in their stockings but the poor (who were so because they were being punished) were lucky to get coal.

Christmas wreaths are made by bending evergreen branches into a large circle then usually decorated with ornaments and a bow. The circle shape represents Christ’s eternal love, strength and the creation of new life. Evergreens are commonly used due to their heartiness throughout harsh winters and that they denote strength as well as immortality.

The nutcracker and toy soldiers are characters from The Nutcracker and the King of Mice, written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816. In this holiday tale, toys, including toy soldiers, come to life when the clock strikes midnight.

Poinsettias came from southern Mexico to America in 1828. It is said that the plant is as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, the heavenly body that led the three wise men, to the place where Christ was born. A Mexican legend tells of a girl who could only offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias.

VOCABULARY:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Christmas Ornaments

Know:

Geometric shapes, Highlight, Repetition, Texture

Understand:

• The difference between shape and form.

• How to arrange elements in an artwork so that they appear symmetrical or equally balanced.

• How to create an effective design using simple shapes.

• How to create the appearance of texture.

Do:

• Follow the steps provided to create an original ball ornament that starts with a simple circle connected to create a complex form.

• Use learned 3D techniques which concentrate on overlapping and shading to convey the illusion of depth.

Christmas ornaments are decorations (usually made of glass, metal, wood, or ceramics) that are used to festoon a Christmas tree. Ornaments take many different forms, from a simple round ball to highly artistic designs. Ornaments are almost always reused year after year rather than purchased annually, and family collections often contain a combination of commercially produced ornaments and decorations created by family members. Such collections are often passed on and augmented from generation to generation. The first decorated trees were adorned with apples, white candy canes and pastries in the shapes of stars, hearts and flowers.

VOCABULARY:

Balance - A principle of design, balance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work; a pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or areas in a design or composition.

Repetition – To continue a pattern over and over again.

Texture – The technique an artist uses to make an object look like it feels a certain way.

CHRISTMAS TREE

Know:

Blend, Complex, Detailed, Hatching, Line

Understand:

• How to create a detailed artwork using line.

• Using hatch marks to indicate shadow and detail.

• Blending tones to create a variety of shades.

Do:

Create a detailed Christmas tree using the tips provided. Start with a trunk shape, add the longer branches, then the smaller branches, then the needles. Hatch marks can be a quick and easy way to add needles to each branch. Once all branches are complete, draw more branches to fill in the spaces that look empty. Finalize the drawing by gently blending the hatching so that the lines are not as crisp and the areas of intense hatching appear shaded.

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed most commonly on December 25th as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir (or an artificial tree of similar appearance), associated with the celebration of Christmas. The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany (around the 15th century) in which devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The trees acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. Trees were traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, and other foods. In the 18th century, trees were illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electricity. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the archangel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

VOCABULARY:

Blend – To mix smoothly and inseparably together.

Complex – Compound, various objects that form a whole; a number of intricate parts, especially one with interconnected or mutually related parts.

Detailed – Something that has many intricate and complex decorative features.

Hatching – Parallel lines drawn close together to produce the effect of shading.

Line - An identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.

MILK AND COOKIES FOR SANTA

Know:

3D Edge, Cylinder, Ellipse, Oval, Opaque, Overlap

Understand:

• How to create an artwork using line and geometric shapes.

• Rendering lines lightly when first starting a drawing allows for easy erasing and fewer permanently misplaced lines.

Do:

Draw a plate of cookies and a glass of milk using the tutorial provided. Start with simple lines and shapes then build a more complex design as the steps progress. See “Tall Drink of Water” tutorial in June ~ July ~ August chapter for shading tips.

Kids around the world have been leaving milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve for centuries. The cookies are the fuel that keeps Santa going during his long day. The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has several origins. The tradition could be linked to the feast of St. Nicholas when children would leave food and drink for the saint and his attendants. It could also be related to the history of the Christmas tree. In Germany, the people would decorate what they called a paradise tree with apples, wafers and cookies. This German tradition would merge with Christianity and become the basis for our modern Christmas tree. Santa would often snack on the delicious decorations. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa could be linked to Norse mythology where people would leave hay and treats for Odin’s eight legged horse Sleipner in hopes the god would stop by their home during his Yule hunting adventures. This tradition was handed down to Dutch children who would leave treats out for Father Christmas’ horse. It also could have started at the time of the Great Depression by parents wanting to inspire their children to share with others, especially during a time of great need. Now kids happily leave cookies and milk for Santa…and often a carrot for his reindeer to share, knowing in the morning there will be just a few crumbs on the plate and an empty glass signifying that the jolly old man enjoyed his treat!

VOCABULARY:

Three Dimensional (3D) – Having or appearing to have height, width and depth.

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

Oval – A closed curve in a plane which “loosely” resembles the outline of an egg.

Overlap – When one object lies over or partly covers another in a drawing.

Opaque – Something that cannot be seen through.

ELF ON A SHELF

Know:

Curve, Guideline, Line, Overlap, Zig-Zag

Understand:

• Building a recognizable image from simple lines.

• How to create a likeness using simple shapes to interpret facial features.

• How to use line to indicate body positioning or motion in a figure.

Do:

Follow the tutorial for the basic elf design. Use your imagination and place the elf in a complex scene. Involve other toys and objects found around the home to create a comical artwork featuring Elf on a Shelf.

Some families have begun the tradition of placing a small elf doll in their homes at the start of the holidays. The Elf on the Shelf is not only decorative, it also serves as one of Santa’s magical helpers who keeps a watchful eye on the children and reports their behavior to Santa at the North Pole every night.

The elf can be male or female and comes in many skin colors. Children are not allowed to touch the elf or he/she will lose his/her magic. Children are told that the elf must never move or speak when people are home or awake, but can “move” from place to place when no one is around. The elf is often found doing mischievous things or seen in some predicament within the home to the delight of the children.

VOCABULARY:

Curve – A continuously bending line, without angles.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line – A mark or stroke long in proportion to its breadth, made with a pen, pencil, tool, etc., on a surface.

Overlap – A part of a drawing that covers another part of a drawing.

Zig-Zag – Short line segments placed at angles to one another to create a pattern of points.

HANUKKAH GOODIES

Know:

Guideline, Layer, Line art, Overlap, Parallel, Woven

Understand:

• How to simplify a complex image so that it is still recognizable.

• How to draw a scene using perspective.

• The principles of line art.

Do:

Choose an item from the tutorial (or draw an item with more significance to you) to represent the Hanukkah Season.

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The dreidel is a Jewish variant on the teetotum, a gambling toy found in many European cultures.

Hanukkah gelt refers to money as well as chocolate coins given to Jewish children on the festival of Hanukkah.

The Star of David, also known in Hebrew as the Shield of David or Magen David is a generally recognized symbol of modern Jewish identity in the shape of a hexagram, the compound of two equilateral triangles. The Star of David is not uniquely a Jewish symbol.

VOCABULARY:

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Layer – The single part of a thickness that is laid over a surface.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Overlap – A part of a drawing that covers another part of a drawing.

Parallel – Straight that are drawn on the same plane but never meet.

Woven – To interlace various elements or details into a connected whole.

HANUKKAH MENORAH

Know:

Cylinder, Guideline, Horizontal, Line art, Simplify

Understand:

• Using simple geometric shapes to create complex form.

• A cylinder is a circle that is projected into three dimensions. If you are looking directly at the top or bottom of a cylinder, all that is seen is a circle. The cylinder appears when viewing it askew or from the side.

• Use of the Hanukkah Menorah.

Do:

Use the tutorial as a guide and create your version of a Hanukkah Menorah.

The Hanukkah Menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah (sometimes spelled Chanukkah) is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late December on the secular calendar.

In 168 B.C.E. the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was seized by Syrian-Greek soldiers and dedicated to the worship of the god Zeus. The Jews regained control and returned to the Temple, determined to purify it by burning ritual oil in the Temple’s menorah for eight days. There was only one day’s worth of oil left in the Temple. They lit the menorah anyway and to their surprise the small amount of oil lasted the full eight days. This is the miracle of the Hanukkah oil that is celebrated every year when Jews light the menorah. On each night of Hanukkah a new branch is lit. The ninth holder, called the shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is for a candle used to light all other candles and/or to be used as an extra light. To be kosher, the shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps. The look of the modern menorah can vary but usually holds the same basic design.

VOCABULARY:

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Horizontal - At right angles to the vertical; parallel to level ground.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

HOLIDAY HORSE

Know:

Accessories, Curve, Geometric Shapes, Guideline, Overlapping, Perspective

Understand:

• You can create a complex horse drawing by using simple, geometric shapes.

• How to create interest in an artwork by adding small details and accessories.

• How to create an effective likeness of an animal using simple shapes.

Do:

Students will create a contour drawing of a horse using geometric shapes, curves and lines. Note the distance between shapes, the height of each shape and whether or not they overlap one another. Finalize the drawing by adding holiday specific accessories, color and shading.

NOTES: Draw lightly so that the guidelines can easily be erased. All areas marked with dashed lines are the spots to erase.

VOCABULARY:

Accessories – A thing that can be added to something else in order to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.

Curve – A line or edge that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous way or, something that has the shape of a curve, such as an arc.

Geometric Shapes - Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles, squares, etc.

Guideline – A simple line to indicate the area in which a more permanent drawing will be made.

Overlapping – The placement of objects over one another in order to create the illusion of depth.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

THE IMPOSSIBLE STAR OF DAVID

Know:

Equilateral Triangle, Hexagon, Parallel lines, Optical illusion, Star of David

Understand:

• Our brain puts information together in a way that makes sense and allows us to see optical illusions in different ways.

• Because of its geometric symmetry, the hexagram has been a popular symbol in many cultures from earliest times.

• How to create the illusion of an Impossible Star of David where the beams of the hexagon simultaneously appear to recede and come forward at the same time.

Do:

• View optical illusions and discuss how the brain can be deceived by puzzling visual challenges.

• View and discuss examples of “Impossible” objects in art.

• Using the tips and guidelines provided, artists will test and enhance the power of their observation and critical thinking skills by creating their version of the Impossible Star of David using measurements and shading.

VOCABULARY:

Gradual – A smooth transition from dark to light values; little by little.

Equilateral Triangle - A triangle in which all three sides are equal.

Hexagon - A polygon having six angles and six sides.

Parallel Lines - Two lines on a plane that never meet.

Optical Illusion – An image that deceives a person, leading to a misinterpretation of its meaning.

Star of David – Also known in Hebrew as the Shield of David or Magen David is a generally recognized symbol of modern Jewish identity in the shape of a hexagram, the compound of two equilateral triangles. The Star of David is not uniquely a Jewish symbol.

JOLLY CARTOON SANTA

Know:

Cartoon, Exaggerating Features, Texture

Understand:

• Characteristics of Cartoon art.

• Use of exaggeration and distortion in an artwork to create a particular style.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create an original Santa character using a cartoon style. Indi-cate different textures by varying the use of line.

Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa is a figure with historical origins who brings gifts to the homes of good children on December 24th, the night before Christmas Day. Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, joyous, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of gifts for children. Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior (“naughty” or “nice”) and to deliver presents, including toys, and candy to all of the well-behaved children in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.

VOCABULARY:

Cartoon - A simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way.

Exaggerate – Overstate, embellish; enlarge or shrink in size.

Texture – The way something looks like it feels in an artwork.

KWANZAA

Know:

Graphic Illustration, Guideline, Line art, Simplify

Understand:

• How to simplify a complex image into a graphic illustration.

Do:

Choose an item from the tutorial (or draw an item with more significance to you) to represent Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa was invented by an activist in 1966–67.

Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat, corn and other crops, a candle holder with seven candles, a communal cup for pouring libation, gifts and a black, red, and green flag.

VOCABULARY:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character, especially an image made by or for printmaking and digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

NATIVITY SCENE

Know:

Overlapping, Perspective, Silhouette

Understand:

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating an interesting work.

• A silhouette can be an easy way to create an image, movement or tell a story without adding features.

Do: Create a simplified nativity scene in silhouette. Follow the steps to create recognizable silhouettes or use your own ideas to represent a likeness of Mary and Joseph kneeling by Jesus in the manger. Add three wise men, three shepherds and a few animals surrounding the stable. Place the wise men, shepherds and animals slightly higher on the page and slightly smaller than the characters in the center to give the appearance of depth and perspective.

A nativity scene or crèche (also known as a manger scene) is the special exhibition of figures representing the scene of the birth of Jesus. It began with Mary and Joseph, who had to travel from Nazareth to register for a census ordered by the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. When Joseph and Mary arrived to the city of Bethlehem, they stayed in a stable there were no rooms available at the inn. On that night, Jesus was born. There was no crib, so he was placed in a manger. An angel appeared to some shepherds in the fields who hurried into Bethlehem to visit the newborn. Later, wise men, or magi, from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a Jesus. They followed the star, found the new family and presented the Savior with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The traditional nativity scene depicts Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, wise men and animals in the stable.

Fun Fact: We celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas, but no one really knows what day Jesus was born, or even exactly what year. In 336 A.D., the Western Church, based in Rome, chose December 25th to celebrate Christmas, meaning “Christ’s Mass.” The Eastern Church chose January 6th. The day was named Epiphany, meaning “appearance.” Eventually the period from December 25th to January 6th became known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

VOCABULARY:

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Silhouette - The image of a person, animal, object or scene represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually black, its edges matching the outline of the subject. The interior of a silhouette is featureless, and the whole is typically presented on a light background, usually white, or none at all.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface.

POP-UP GREETING CARDS

Know:

3D, Card Stock, Pop-up, Spiral

Understand:

How to create a quick and easy 3D greeting card using physical 3D techniques.

Do:

Create a unique greeting card that appears 3D by utilizing one of the tutorials provided.

The “Z” fold involves taking a short strip of paper and folding it into thirds. One part is folded toward the front and the other is folded toward the back so it looks like the letter Z.

The 3D spiral starts with a circle no larger than the folded card size. Cut a spiral from the circle until you reach the center. Don’t make the spiral too thin or else it will not spring out neatly and may sag instead.

The stand cut is created by cutting two short slits into the folded side of a card and then the fold is reversed. Experiment with this technique and make several stands for a multi-dimensional design.

Tips: Use double sided tape or roll up a piece of scotch tape when adhering items into place. The tape should be hidden from view at all angles to look clean and neat.

Any paper will work well, however, card stock is thicker and seems more official.

VOCABULARY:

3D – Having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth.

Card Stock – Also called cover stock or pasteboard, is a paper stock that is thicker and more durable than normal writing or printing paper, but thinner and more flexible than other forms of paperboard.

Pop-up – To appear or occur suddenly and unexpectedly.

Spiral - Winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either around a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone.

SANTA ILLUSTRATION

Know:

Illustration, Stick Figure

Understand:

•  Characteristics of an illustration.

Do:

Follow the steps provided to create an original Santa illustration. Indicate different textures by varying the use of line.

Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa is a figure with historical origins who brings gifts to the homes of good children on December 24th, the night before Christmas Day. Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, joyous, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of gifts for children. Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior (“naughty” or “nice”) and to deliver presents, including toys, and candy to all of the well-behaved children in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.

VOCABULARY:

Illustration - A visualization or a depiction of a subject made by an artist, such as a drawing, sketch, painting, photograph, cinema or other kind of image of things seen, remembered or imagined, using a graphical representation.

Stick Figure – A very simple drawing of a person or animal, composed of a few lines, curves, and dots. In a stick figure, the head is represented by a circle, sometimes embellished with details such as eyes, mouth or crudely scratched-out hair. The arms, legs and torso are usually represented by straight lines.

Simple Snowflake KUD

Know: 45 and 90 degree angles, Repetition, Rotational Symmetry

Understand:

• No two snowflakes are alike.

• Variation in sizes of objects when drawing them creates interest and depth.

Optional: In fine art, a focal point highlights a specific portion of interest in an artwork.

Do - Students will:

• Follow the steps provided to create an original Snowflake design focusing on rotational symmetry.

• Student will combine a variety of snowflakes styles and sizes to create a winter scene.

Optional: Add a focal point using minimal color (colored pencil) in one or two areas of the scene to create interest.

A snowflake is a single ice crystal or an aggregation of ice crystals which fall through the Earth’s atmosphere. They begin as snow crystals which develop when microscopic super-cooled cloud droplets freeze. Snowflakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Complex shapes emerge as the flake moves through differing temperature and humidity regions, such that individual snowflakes are almost always unique in structure. Snowflakes appear white in color despite being made of clear ice.

VOCABULARY:

Focal Point - The portion of an artwork’s composition on which interest or attention centers. The focal point may be most interesting for any of several reasons: it may be given formal emphasis; its meaning may be controversial, incongruous, or otherwise compelling.

Rotational Symmetry - An object that looks the same after a certain amount of circular movement around that object’s center.

Symmetry – An object that is the same on both sides.

SPRIG OF HOLLY

Know:

Asymmetrical, Overlap, Perspective, Scallop

Understand:

• The word scallop can be used as a noun or a verb.

• How to create an organic shape using geometric shapes.

• Using highlight and shadows to add realism to an artwork.

• Patterns in nature.

Do:

Using the tutorial provided, create a sprig of decorative holly. Begin lightly drawing the lines and shapes as shown and connect them to resemble the outline of a holly leaf. Add details and erase guidelines as instructed while keeping all of the lines light. Finally, add shading and highlights for a realistic appearance.

When shading anything, start with the dark and medium tones. Deepen the dark tones while keeping light areas white. Gently blend as desired and erase any light areas that may have smudged to indicate highlights.

Holly is a genus of 400 to 600 species of flowering plants. Holly, Ivy and other greenery such as Mistletoe were originally used in pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth. The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns.

VOCABULARY:

Asymmetrical – Having parts that fail to correspond to one another in shape, size, or arrangement; lacking symmetry.

Overlap – To partly cover or lie over a portion of an object or shape within a drawing.

Perspective – The placement of objects in a drawing to give the illusion of depth and distance.

Scalloped Edge – To draw with a series of curved projections that form ornamental edging in imitation of the edge of a scallop shell.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Know:

Asymmetry, Radial Balance, Repetition, Starburst, Symmetry

Understand:

• A firework design can be simplified using a circle guideline with its design extending from (or focused upon) its center. The designs are often slightly uneven but still hold a repetitive pattern.

• Simple techniques to create an interesting graphic illustration.

Do:

Create an original artwork celebrating New Year’s Eve following the steps provided. Use different line types and thicknesses for interest.

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve (the last day of the year) is on December 31st. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink and watch or light fireworks to mark the new year. The celebrations generally go on past midnight into January 1st.

VOCABULARY:

Asymmetric - Not identical on both sides of a central line; not symmetrical.

Contrast – A large difference between two things; for example, hot and cold. This term refers to a way of juxtaposing elements of art to stress the differences between them.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Radial or Rotational Balance is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from or focused upon its center.

Repetition – The act of repeating. A repeated action, performance, production or presentation.

Starburst – A pattern of lines or rays radiating from a central point.

Month: Bingo Month, Write a Friend Month

Special Days in December: World Aids Awareness Day, National Fritters Day, National Roof over Your Head Day, Wear Brown Shoes Day, Bathtub Party Day, Repeal Day (The 21st Amendment ends Prohibition), St. Nicholas Day, Put on your own Shoes Day, International Civil Aviation Day, Letter Writing Day, National Cotton Candy Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (observed annually in the United States on December 7th to remember and honor the 2,403 victims who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941), National Brownie Day, Take it in the Ear Day, Christmas Card Day, National Pastry Day, Human Rights Day, National Noodle Ring Day, National Ding-a-Ling Day, Poinsettia Day, Ice Cream Day, International Children’s Day (second Sunday in December), Violin Day, National Bouillabaisse Day, National Lemon Cupcake Day, National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, National Maple Syrup Day, Bake Cookies Day, Look for an Evergreen Day, Oatmeal Muffin Day, Go Caroling Day, Forefather’s Day, Humbug Day, National Flashlight Day, Look on the Bright Side Day, Festivus, Roots Day, National Chocolate Day, National Egg Nog Day, Boxing Day, Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day, National Fruitcake Day, Card Playing Day, Pepper Pot Day, National Bicarbonate of Soda Day, Make Up Your Mind Day, Unlucky Day, Winter Solstice (the shortest day/longest night of the year), Short Girl Appreciation Day (celebrated on winter solstice, the shortest day of the year).

BABY SHOWER

Know:

Graphic, Guideline, Overlapping, Reverse, Right Angle, Simplify

Understand:   Simplified images used to represent baby paraphernalia.

Do: Choose an item or several items from this tutorial to draw and combine them together to create a unique, festive, baby related design. Use perspective and layering to create the illusion of depth.

These images can be used to create a homemade baby shower, announcement or welcome to the world card. See “Pop-up Greeting Card” tutorial in the December chapter to create a 3D baby themed greeting card.

In some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the mother at a party. Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family’s first child and only women are invited. The baby shower is typically arranged and hosted by a close friend or member of the family. When a baby shower is held after the birth of a baby, an invitation to attend the shower may be combined with a baby announcement. Guests bring small gifts for the expectant mother. Typical gifts related to babies include diapers, blankets, baby bottles, clothes, and toys. It is common to open the gifts during the party. The term shower is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is “showered” with gifts. The related custom bridal shower may have derived its name from the custom in Victorian times for the presents to be put inside a parasol, which when opened would “shower” the bride-to-be with gifts.

VOCABULARY:

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Overlapping – A part or portion of a structure that extends or projects over another.

Reverse - Opposite or contrary in position, direction or order.

Right Angle – An angle that bisects the angle formed by two adjacent parts of a straight line. More precisely, if a ray is placed so that its endpoint is on a line and the adjacent angles are equal, then they are right angles.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

BAR MITZVAH/BAT MITZVAH

Know:

Line art, Overlap, Simplify

Understand:

• How to simplify a complex image so that it is still recognizable.

• Every image has a story.

• The difference between a Bar and a Bat Mitzvah.

Do:

Create a character reading from the Torah to represent one of the rituals of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Bar Mitzvah (for boys) and Bat Mitzvah (for girls) are Jewish coming of age rituals. Bar is a Jewish Babylonian Aramaic word literally meaning “son”, while bat means “daughter” in Hebrew. Mitzvah means “commandment” or “law”, thus bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah literally translate to “son of commandment” and “daughter of commandment”. Reaching the age of bar or bat Mitzvah (usually the age of thirteen) signifies becoming a full-fledged member of the Jewish community with the responsibilities that come with it.

Bar and Bat mitzvah festivities typically include a celebratory meal with family, friends, and members of the community. These parties are often lavish affairs held at hotels and country clubs with hundreds of guests.

Can girls wear yarmulkes? Notice how the girl in the tutorial is not wearing a yarmulke (head covering cap). According to Jewish law, men (but not women) should have their heads covered while at prayer. Today, many women choose to have their heads covered while praying and opt to wear a yarmulke.

VOCABULARY:

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Overlap – A part of a drawing that covers or is layered over another part.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

BIRTHDAY CAKE

Know:

Anamorphic Art, Cylinder, Perspective, Vanishing Point

Understand:

• A cylinder is a circle that is projected into three dimensions.

• Vertical cylinders have parallel lines, non-vertical cylinders utilize one point perspective.

• In linear perspective, all lines appear to meet at a single point on the horizon.

• Receding lines create straight edges that appear to go back into space.

• Cylinders are one of the four basic forms that help an artwork appear three dimensional.

Do:

Create an original artwork of a festive birthday cake using a horizon line, vanishing point, and receding lines to indicate the illusion of 3D text.  Begin with the basic cake shape of an ellipse top, add lines to make it into a cylinder (as long or short as desired), then draw guidelines using equally spaced marks that recede to a vanishing point for the text. Once the text has been drawn, add lots of extra’s to make your cake one-of-a-kind!

Tips:

• Leave at least 2 spaces between each word and ½ to 1 full column space between each letter so the words will be easier to read.

• Go over your letters in marker after you draw them in pencil so they stand out.

• Create one letter per column but use two columns for wider letters like “M” and “W”

• Draw a guideline for the top of each line of text and the bottom. The more lines of text you have, the more challenging this will be.

VOCABULARY:

Anamorphic Art – An image appears distorted because it is constructed on an elongated grid.

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Distort – To change the way something looks; sometimes deforming or stretching an object or figure out of its normal shape to exaggerate its features to make it more interesting or meaningful.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

One Point Perspective - A form of linear perspective in which all lines appear to meet at a single point on the horizon.

Parallel – Two or more straight lines or edges on the same plane that do not intersect. Parallel lines have the same direction.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

3D CAKE NUMBER CANDLES

Using One Point Perspective

Know:

One Point Perspective

Understand:

• In linear perspective, all lines appear to meet at a single point.

• Receding lines create straight edges that appear to go back into space.

Do:

Choose your number(s) and draw them in “block letter” style (not stick letters). Draw a single point to the left or right of the numbers and connect each edge of your numbers to it with a straight line. Do not go through the center of any numbers. Follow the contour of your original number to create a far edge of your number and erase any part of the receding lines no longer needed. Draw a flame and wick on top (see Christmas Candle in the December Chapter) and place the numbers on top of your cake drawing for a realistic 3D number candle.

VOCABULARY:

Block Letter – An often hand-drawn simple capital letter composed of strokes of uniform thickness.

One Point Perspective - A form of linear perspective in which all lines appear to meet at a single point.

Receding Lines – Lines that move back or away from the foreground.

Vanishing Point - A point on a horizon line where lines between near and distant objects appear to meet in order to produce an illusion of depth.

NEW HOME

Know:

Guideline, Line art, Perspective, Simplify, Trapezoid

Understand:

• How to simplify an object when drawing it.

• How to draw an interesting structure with minimal detail.

Do:

Choose a photo, draw one from life or follow this tutorial to draw a sketch of a house. Study it to see the basic form and replicate the shapes in a light drawing. Use the sketch as a guideline to draw the structure of an original house.

A house is one of the greatest purchases that people make in their lifetime. A new home signifies a new beginning. A wonderful housewarming gift for any new home buyer would be a simple landscape drawing of their new abode. Find a photo of the home you want to draw and simplify it using line art and minimal detail. Color or shade as desired.

VOCABULARY:

Guideline – A line used as a guide that instructs or directs the placement of an item.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth and receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Trapezoid – A convex quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides.

NEW PET

Know:

Organic Shape, Silhouette, Vertical

Understand:

• The simple steps used to create silhouetted animal prints.

• Small details can create powerful effects in drawing.

Do - Follow the steps provided to create the set of animal prints of your choice. Draw several and stagger them so they appear to be tracks in the earth.

A pet or companion animal is an animal kept primarily for a person’s company or protection, as opposed to working animals, sport animals, livestock, and laboratory animals, which are kept primarily for performance, agricultural value, or research. The most popular pets are noted for their attractive appearances and their loyal or playful personalities. Pets commonly provide their owners physical and emotional benefits. Walking a dog can supply both the human and pet with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction. Pets can give companionship to elderly adults who do not have adequate social interaction with other people, as well as other people that are living alone. There is a medically approved class of therapy animals, mostly dogs or cats,  that are brought to visit confined humans. Pet therapy utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients.

VOCABULARY:

Organic Shape – An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a mechanical or angular shape.

Silhouette - A two-dimensional representation of the outline of an object. If the silhouette is recognizable, it is successful.

Vertical - The direction going straight up and down.

PARTY TIME

Know:

Duplicate, Graphic Illustration, Line art, Overlap, Simplify, Swirl

Understand:

• How to simplify a complex image so that it is still recognizable.

• Every image has a story.

Do:

Choose an item from the tutorial (or draw an item with more significance to you) to indicate a party occasion.

A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration of a special occasion. A party will typically feature food and beverages, and often music and dancing or other forms of entertainment.

VOCABULARY:

Duplicate – To make or be an exact copy of.

Graphic - Any image or drawing that is especially linear in character and any image made by or for printmaking or digital imaging.

Line Art – Any image that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed upon a (usually) plain background without shade.

Overlap – A part of a drawing that covers or is layered over another part.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Swirl – To draw in a twisting or spiraling pattern.

THE GRADUATE

Know:

Contour, Cylindrical, Geometric, Gradation, Silhouette, Stick Figure

Understand:

• Using simple guidelines to build more complex objects.

• Adding a simple gradation of tones to the background can add interest to an artwork.

Do:

Students will create a unique graduation themed design using basic shapes and forms.

VOCABULARY:

Contour – An outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something.

Cylindrical – Relating to or having the form or properties of a cylinder. A cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Geometric - Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles, squares, etc.

Gradation – A gradual changing from one tint or shade to another.

Silhouette – The shape or outline of an object.

Stick Figure - A drawing showing the head of a human being or animal as a circle and all other parts as straight lines.

GRADUATION

Know:

3D, Cylinder, Ellipse, Geometric Shapes, Parallel, Perspective

Understand:

• A cylinder is a circle that is projected into three dimensions. Vertical cylinders, like the one used in the diploma likeness, uses a cylinder with parallel lines as a guide.

• A drawing with the appearance of height, width, and depth adds interest and realism to a work.

Do:

Students will create a unique graduation themed design using basic shapes and forms.

Graduation is a ceremony where a student earns a diploma or academic degree and becomes a graduate. The date of graduation is often called graduation day. The graduation ceremony itself is also called commencement, convocation or invocation. In the United States and Canada, the term is additionally increasingly being used to refer to the advancement from a primary or secondary school level. When ceremonies are associated, they usually include a procession of the academic staff and candidates and a valediction. At the college and university level, the faculty will usually wear academic dress at the formal ceremonies, as will the trustees and degree candidates.

VOCABULARY:

Three-Dimensional (3D) - Having, or appearing to have, height, width, and depth.

Cylinder – A three-dimensional geometric form utilizing line and ellipse.

Ellipse – A circle viewed at an angle; an oval.

Geometric - Any shape or form having more mathematic than organic design. Geometric designs are typically made with straight lines or shapes from geometry, including circle, ovals, triangles, rectangles, squares, etc.

Parallel – Two or more straight lines or edges on the same plane that do not intersect. Parallel lines have the same direction.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Know:

3D, Blend, Guideline, Highlight, Overlap, Thickness

Understand:

• How to create a three dimensional looking artwork by overlapping.

• How show the appearance of interlocking shapes.

• Blending tones to create a variety of shades.

Do:

Create a pair of interlocking hearts by using a series of simple geometric shapes. Shade or color as desired.

A wedding anniversary is the anniversary of the date a wedding took place. Traditional names exist for some of them: for instance, 50 years of marriage is called a “golden wedding anniversary” or simply a “golden anniversary” or “golden.” 25 years is known as “silver” or “silver anniversary” and 60 years is “Diamond” or “Diamond anniversary”.

The interlocking heart design represents two hearts joining together to work as one.

VOCABULARY:

3D – (Three dimensional) Having or appearing to have length, breadth, and depth.

Blend – To mix smoothly and inseparably together.

Guideline – A lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page or a line of lettering.

Highlight – A bright or reflective area in a painting, picture, or design.

Overlap – When one part of a drawing partly covers or lies over another part of a drawing.

Thickness – Adding the appearance of volume to a drawing.

WEDDING BOUQUET

Know:

• Depth, Organic, Overlap, Perspective

• Connecting a series of simple geometric shapes can create a complex (organic) object

• The difference between geometric and organic shapes

Understand:

• Layering simple shapes can be the first step to creating complex forms.

• High contrast shading gives the appearance of form and 3D.

• Detail lines that follow the contour of an image can create texture and depth.

Do: Students will draw a bouquet of roses using the tutorial as a guideline. Begin by drawing a circle as a guideline for each flower. Complete circles will eventually become flowers in the “front” and partially covered circles will be flowers in the “back.”

TIPS WHEN SHADING:

First, lightly press down on the areas of the artwork that have the deepest shadows. This is just the beginning process so there is no need to draw too dark too quickly. By keeping the initial shading somewhat light, erasing areas of highlight or mistakes will be much simpler. Continue to darken the outer edges of each petal and use your value scale as a guide. This will help the tones remain consistent throughout the shading process. As the shading deepens, the original outline of the drawing should disappear. Objects in real life don’t have a solid outline around them, simply just a change in value. The same goes for a realistic drawing; don’t darken the outline, darken the shadows.

VOCABULARY:

Depth - The third dimension. The apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an artwork. When depth refers to an object’s smallest dimension, then this distance can also be called its thickness. Techniques of perspective are used to create the illusion of depth in paintings or drawings.

Organic - An irregular shape that might be found in nature, rather than a regular, mechanical shape.

Overlap – Part of a drawing that lies over or partly covers another part of the drawing.

Perspective – The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth or receding space.

VINTAGE STYLE WEDDING CAKE TOPPER

Know:

• Simple shapes combined together can create more complex objects

• Layering, Overlapping

• Simple steps to create a realistic human figure

Understand:

• Connecting simple shapes can be the first step to creating a basic human figure.

• The basics of proportion to create a realistic human outline.

• Features of the adult human body can be measured/created on a grid (7 heads tall).

Do: Construct a proportionate couple starting with a modified stick figure with the basic head, torso, arms and legs then adding the width of shoulders and pelvis and the feet. Simplified forms of body parts can be added to the stick figure that focus on correct proportion, balance and pose. Finally, connect all of the body part shapes and erase the unnecessary lines inside to create a standard human body outline. Once this is done, the volumes can be exaggerated or changed to create a unique character. Notice the differences in size and shape for the individual characters highlighted in the tutorial.

Tip: Create a wedding cake by layering several short cylinders on top of one another.

VOCABULARY: Anatomy – The study of body structure, whether human or animal, including the bones, the muscles, and all the other parts. Knowledge of anatomy is important when drawing and sculpting both human and animal figures.

Layering – To place something over another surface or object.

Overlap - When one thing lies over, partly covering something else. Depicting this is one of the most important means of conveying an illusion of depth.

Proportion - The proportion relationship of one part to another in an object or the whole object with respect to size, quantity, degree or number.

WEDDING RINGS

Know:

Blend, Contrast, Highlight, Mid-tone, Oval, Overlap, Thickness

Understand:

• How to create a three dimensional looking artwork by overlapping.

• How to indicate the appearance of interlocking forms.

• Blending tones to create a variety of shades.

Do:

Create a pair of interlocking rings by using a series of oval shapes. Shade them in using the image in the tutorial as a guide or look at an actual wedding band to determine where the highlights and shadows are placed.

A wedding ring or wedding band is a ring, often but not always made of metal, indicating the wearer is married. Depending on the local culture, the ring is usually worn on the base of the right or the left ring finger.

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows and rings by the couple and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony.

VOCABULARY:

Blend – To mix smoothly and inseparably together.

Contrast – Refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece of art.

Highlight – A bright or reflective area in a painting, picture, or design.

Mid-tone – The tonal value mid-way between highlight and shadow.

Oval – Having the general form, shape or outline of an egg; egg-shaped.

Overlap – When one part of a drawing partly covers or lies over another part of a drawing.

Thickness – Adding the appearance of volume to a drawing.

ZODIAC SYMBOLS

Know:

Line, Simplify, Symbol

Understand:

• A symbol can be used in an artwork to represent a more complex image.

• Lines are tools for communication.

• Line can indicate width, direction and length.

• Various types of line in an artwork add depth and interest, imply space, movement, light, and/or thickness (3D edge).

Do:

Choose a Zodiac symbol and draw it using the simplified steps provided. Add line weight to the item ensuring that some lines appear to come forward (thicker) and others appear to recede (thinner).

Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects as a means for divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events. Some people believe that on the basis of image analysis of the sky, or the position of the planets at the moment of birth, astrology can give us a glimpse of a person’s basic characteristics, preferences, flaws and fears. There are 12 zodiac signs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, its own specific traits, desires and attitude towards life and people.

Zodiac signs are usually recognizable images of animals, people or objects. The Zodiac symbols are simple marks made to represent these images.

VOCABULARY:

Line - A continuous mark drawn with a pencil or other tool. A line has a width, direction and length. A line’s width is sometimes called its “thickness”.

Line Quality (weight) – The unique character of a drawn line as it changes lightness and darkness, direction, curvature, or width; the thin and thick lines in an artwork that create the illusion of form and shadow.

Simplify – To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Symbol – A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.

I hope you have enjoyed How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events. Following these exercises is a great way to practice your craft and start seeing things in terms of simple shapes within a complex object. The lessons provided can help to guide you through the creative thought process and provide plenty of ideas to get you started, but don’t limit yourself to the confines of the book. Check out the activities offered and take what you like from them. There are millions of cool things to draw out there and only a sampling can be found within these pages. The best cool stuff can be found in your imagination!

How to let your awesome inner artist shine

We use creativity every day in every aspect of our lives. From creative problem-solving to the simple appreciation of beauty, the act of creating can provide a platform to explore experiences within yourself and help communicate information to others. One important way to do this is through art and drawing. Whether the goal is to become a skilled artist, create a likeness, express a feeling or simply just to create interesting things; drawing is a great way of improving concentration, expressing individuality and providing pleasure for yourself. Here are some tips, inspiration and words of encouragement to keep you on your path of creativity.

First, know that anyone can draw, but no one can draw exactly like you! Try not to compare your artwork to those of others. You are one of a kind and lend a certain style to a creation that no one else in the world can.

Drawing from imagination can be a wonderful experience, but sometimes we need some guidance when constructing an artwork. It can help to use a subject for reference. Research pictures online, go out into the world and take photos, or just observe the things around you. With the vast array of images available, there is no reason not to get as much information as you can from the resources accessible to you. Experiencing images in the world around us can help us develop a better perspective. Looking at and studying your subject matter will help you capture a likeness, help your ideas to become more clear, and help you to visualize the fine details.

This is detail of “Noah’s Ark”, a mural I created for Swift Memorial United Methodist Church in Sagamore Beach, MA. I researched many animals online (and even went to the zoo) for ideas and information on the shape, motion, colors and expressions of a variety of creatures.

Completed “Noah’s Ark” mural.

This is a large scale pencil drawing I created using a photo I took of one of the sculptures in Vatican City.

• Some days we might not want to even attempt to be artistic. That is understandable, but don’t let yourself be unmotivated for too long. Creating art is a process. We all have days where ideas and creativity come easily and other days where we have an “artist’s block.” In cases like this, I want to encourage you to just take the first step. Prepare to start your creativity or brainstorm for it. This might be the catalyst that opens the door to your ingenuity and embolden you to do more. That first step can be quite easy, and all you need to do is take it.

• On occasion, every artist (myself included) may get frustrated and want to give up. That is ok. We are human and don’t always feel inspired to create. Give yourself a break and don’t force something that doesn’t come naturally to you.

• However... as a great artist, always push yourself for more – going beyond the comfort zone is how we learn! When you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different mediums or add more details than you would normally. Change something about your work. Draw something much more detailed than usual or simplify it. Create an interesting focal point or add an unexpected background color or scene. This experimentation makes each work of art unique and personal. It could also be the start of a new style or provide the motivation you need to invigorate your designs.

I used an experimental technique on “Gerbera Daisy” using contrasting colors and crackle paint on the background. Not my usual style, but it was fun to try!

If you make a mistake that you think you cannot fix, don’t throw your artwork away. Instead try and work with it. Oftentimes, the little “mistake” you made will not be noticeable to anyone but you. If the mark you do not like is a large drip or obvious smudge, add more drips or smudges so it looks like you made them on purpose. Your artwork can become even more interesting with the so-called “mistakes” than without.

• Everyone works at a different pace and every artist will find varying levels of success when drawing. Even when artists draw the same item over and over, the results will always vary. Keep this in mind when you feel like you are spending too much time on a particular area of your work and not finding success.

• If all of your attempts at creating seem to be preventing you from achieving success, you may want to “cheat” a bit. This may involve tracing an artwork you just can’t seem to render to your liking or copying an already existing pattern. Just be sure to add your own unique twist by throwing in unexpected colors or adding “extras” that no one would expect.

• If you do decide to copy a style or trace an existing artwork by another artist, you are still being creative. Believe it or not, you are not just mindlessly copying what you see. Artists learn by repeating or following the lines of other works, enhancing their creativity and artistic confidence while gaining powerful tools for understanding what goes in to creating visual works. Indeed, artists are actually re-training their brains to see in a different way. This can allow you to express yourself and become competent, savvy, literate, imaginative, creative and perceptive in both art and life.

• When drawing from an image or from life, it is easier to see your object in terms of simple shapes within a complex object. Almost every tangible object can be broken down into a combination of simple geometric shapes. Combined together, these shapes can be a guideline for a more detailed and recognizable drawing. Learn to see these shapes in order to train your brain to see as an artist sees.

This is a sampling of steps taken from “How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Guide for Teachers and Students”, illustrating how complex forms can be created from simple shapes.

• Also, when drawing from photos, try blocking out the information you don’t need. In other words, cover all of the parts of the picture with blank pieces of paper except for the small area that you want to focus on, drawing only the area that is exposed. After that step is finished, uncover the next small area and work on that. By blocking out the steps you are not working on, the artwork becomes less challenging to attempt. Continue uncovering each area one by one and adding to your artwork until it is complete. It is a simple tactic, but it works by getting you to focus on just one action at a time.

• Instant gratification should not be in your art vocabulary. Most works of art take time, patience and effort to complete. Pace yourself and observe your work and the subject you are using as a reference. Don’t rush.

• Stick with it. It is easy to be motivated but not always as easy to stay disciplined. Many artists give up because they see how far they have to go to complete a work, not how much success they have had thus far. Always look at how far you have come.

“Geisha” is an acrylic painting that took several weeks to complete. I would work on a little bit of the detail each day, then set it aside.

Here is an example of a time consuming artwork of tea cups using fingerprints and ink.

“Zebra’s in the Violets” is another example of a time consuming artwork using acrylic paint and fine pen.

A detail is seen on the right.

Another simple yet effective tip is to draw lightly. Start with a light, sketchy outline of your image and add more detail as the drawing progresses. Once you have a basic outline and a few details, you can then make lines darker and more permanent (depending on what medium is being used). Switching from drawing with a heavy hand to a lighter touch can be tough, but the struggle is worth it once you see the benefits. Erasing becomes easier and fewer papers are crumpled up and thrown away. Also, sketchy lines are looser and can be interpreted differently than deeper lines.

Sample sketch of light lines used to create a likeness of the human form.

• Don’t be too concerned with trying to make your drawing look just like the photo you are copying or the idea you have in your head. Your unique (and sometimes imperfect) approach is what will make the artwork engaging and beautiful. If your drawing doesn’t look “perfect”, that’s OK! Perfect is boring.

• Try different and unusual angles to grab your audience’s attention.

• Make your artwork look even more realistic by adding shading. How to Draw Cool Stuff: Shading, Textures and Optical Illusions” is a great tool to help you take your drawing to a new level of realism. One of the techniques discussed is blending your pencil marks to create the illusion of depth. When done properly, the technique of smudging an artwork with a finger or blending stump to create shadows can be a quick and effective way to add depth. This can be an acceptable practice, just beware of making mud! Rubbing too much will cause all of those fine lines and contrasting shades to become the same muddled, flat gray tone. This takes the depth away from a drawing and makes the work appear less detailed. For best results when shading with the finger rub technique, only smudge a little!

• Want your artwork to look even more professional? Draw your object large, then shrink it on the copier using the photo setting. The details and lines appear finer and your work looks more detailed. A great trick to try!

• Finally, don’t worry about what other people’s artwork looks like. Remember: everyone can draw, but no one can draw exactly like you. That is what makes your art so special. If we all drew exactly the same way, art would be boring and there would be no point to it. Look at the way your artwork comes out after you finish and compare it to your own previous work. You will probably be impressed with yourself!

I hope you have enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed creating it. Keep drawing!