For week four, the lesson combines Native American art (timeline card “Early Native Americans”) and abstract art. First, let’s define abstract. It is a category of art that represents imagery in a simplistic or distorted manner. Under this category is non-objective art, which takes out the recognizable image completely, and we are left with just lines, color, etc. The Foundations Guide art idea for week 4 is non-objective, but using abstracted imagery can also effectively teach students to design well using lines, shapes, and color.
Just like the lesson from the Foundations Guide, this lesson encourages students to use the elements to create interesting and pleasing design. Students must also think about space, balance, and repetition as they draw. The fish in the project is a simplified shape, and the motifs inside are focused on design, not realism. Let’s get started on the abstracted Northwest Native American Salmon! Continue Reading →