A Folk Art Fall

A Folk Art Fall

Reason for Lesson:  To show the students how common shapes can be used to create real life scenes.  Additionally, how using a variety of patterned paper in a collage technique can add texture to the piece.  This lesson introduces two of the Principles of Art:  Pattern and Texture.  Through the use of differing patterns we can create the “feel” of an object, whether smooth, rough, soft, etc.  This texture may be actual or implied.

Class Time:  1 and ½  hours

Materials:  8 ½ x 11 white construction paper, pencils, oil pastels, variety of patterned scrapbook paper and glue.

Prep Time:  15 minutes to gather supplies (kids can use on pencils and glue sticks from classroom)

Preparation prior to Lesson:  Familiarize yourself with Karla Gerard, a living artist with little biographical information online.  Photos of her work have been printed and are available in the Volunteer office.  Understand the principles of Pattern and texture as it relates to this artwork.  

Instructions to Lead Lesson:  Use living artist, Karla Gerard, as the inspiration.  We learn that Karla Gerard is a Folk Artist currently living in Maine.  She is a Folk artist who uses acrylics and oil pastels to create her pieces.  Warner Brothers Studios has purchased one of her paintings that will be hung in Superman's childhood home in the upcoming movie, Superman:  Man of Steel.  

Introduce the concept of using basic shapes to create real life subject matter; circles and ovals for trees, rectangles and squares for houses, etc. Use the pictures of Karla's artwork as your examples of these elements.  Introduce two of the Principles of Art: Pattern and Texture. Pattern is the repetition of design and Texture is defined as "the surface quality or "feel" of an object, its smoothness, roughness, softness etc. Textures may be actual or implied." The kids will be using different patterns (repetition of circles, triangles, lines, etc) to create the "feel" of an object, in this instance they will be using the patterned scrapbook paper to accomplish this. In this art lesson it is more of an implied texture of the trees, ground and sky.  

For time considerations have the kids choose a portion of one of the examples of artwork to recreate and maybe draw it on a larger scale. And by using the scrapbook paper, either torn or cut, to be applied as the houses, trees, bushes, etc.  They will begin by drawing with a pencil to create the background. Using common shapes to achieve their design and details. Once complete they can glue on their collage   pieces and use the oil pastels to add color to their artwork. 

Credit:  Karla Gerard