Abstract Animal Scratch Art
Submitted by: Kathleen Arola, Arizona
For Substitute/Guest Teacher to follow: Yes No X * Follow Substitute Folder
Grade Level: 4 - 8 Length of Lesson: 5 studio sessions
Studio X Aesthetics X Art History Art Criticism
Objective/s:
- Students will demonstrate the use of a variety of lines in a scratch art design.
- Students will demonstrate the use of pattern within the body of their scratch art animal.
- Students will use and define their theme and selection of symbols within the body of their animal.
- Students will use and define positive and negative shapes in their work.
National Standards Addressed:
- Content Standard #1: Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes
- Content Standard #2: Using knowledge of structures and functions
- Content Standard #3: Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas
Purpose:
This is a seventh grade scratch art lesson in which students will use line as an element of art and pattern as a principle of design. Students will also communicate intended meaning in their artworks by consciously selecting a theme and symbols to be etched into the interior of their animal shapes.
Vocabulary:
- line: an element of art that is a mark with length and direction
- pattern: repetition of anything as a principle of design
- engraving: a method of cutting or incising a design into a material with a sharp tool
- scratch board: illustration board in which black ink-coating is scratched away to reveal a white clay-coated surface
- positive space: space in an artwork that is filled with something
- negative space: empty space in an artwork
- symbol: something representing a meaning other than the one with which it is usually associated
- theme: recurrent idea or topic; motif
- abstract: imagery departing from representational accuracy
Resources:
Materials for session 1:
- pencils
- newsprint for practice sketches
- computer with proxima
Procedure: Studio session 1
1. View scratch art links or teacher created Power Point presentation of scratch board artwork.
2. Discuss the use of line and pattern in the works observed.
3. Sketch examples of animals emphasizing line.
Materials for session 2:
- animal sketches from session 1
- pencils
- 5" x 5" black scratch board with white underneath the layer of black
- scratching tools
Procedure: Studio session 2
1. Scratch the basic outline shape of the animal using a variety of lines (thick, thin, straight, curvy, diagonal, horizontal, vertical, etc.).
2. Begin teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art worksheet.
Materials for session 3:
- scratch board project begun in session 2
- scratching tools
- animal sketches from session 1
- teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art worksheet
- pencils
Procedure: Studio session 3
1. Complete teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art worksheet.
2. Use worksheet as a guide, and scratch symbols into body of animal on scratch board.
Name ________________________________
Date _________________________________
Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art
Animal chosen for scratch board project: __________________________________________
Words to describe this animal:
Theme of scratch art project: _____________________________________________________
Symbols that represent the theme:
Filler patterns:
Materials for session 4:
- scratch board project begun in session 2
- scratching tools
- animal sketches from session 1
- teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art
worksheet
- pencils
Procedure: Studio session 4
1. Using teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art worksheet, scratch filler patterns into body of animal on scratch board.
2. Observe positive and negative space in the piece. Scratch thicker lines or white shapes if needed to balance the composition.
Materials for session 5:
- scratch board project begun in session 2
- scratching tools
- animal sketches from session 1
- teacher created Theme and Symbolism in Abstract Animal Scratch Art
worksheet
- pencils
Procedure: Studio session 5
1. Finish project as described in previous sessions.
2. Critique own and others’ scratch art verbally.
Extensions:
Science: Research the animal in your artwork.
Language Arts: Write a journal entry from the perspective of your animal, and explain why there are specific symbols on your body.
Math: Practice drawing geometric shapes that could be used as symbols in the work.
Evaluation and reflection:
Student Name ________________________________ Date ______________
Rubric for Abstract Animal Scratch Art
Additional Teacher Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Student Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
