Ink and Watercolor Creatures

Submitted by: Michelle East, Art Teacher (3rd-HS Art)
Michelle's website: http://createartwithme.com/
Title of Lesson: Beyond the Border
Grade level: High School

Description:

This lesson is geared toward upper middle school and high school art. It can be modified to upper elementary by shrinking the size of the paper and using ink pens for the contour lines. For elementary students who have difficulty drawing rectangles, a ruler may be used.

The "Rule of Thirds" is used to create a focal point in the picture. This rule applies both horizontally and vertically. Watercolor painting techniques were covered prior to this lesson. This watercolor lesson is one of several on this website you could use.

Goals / Objectives:
Learn how each of the elements and principles works to make the work successful as a painting.
- Create a unified composition by incorporating elements used within the border also beyond the border
- Explore the use of color as a means of emphasis inside the border and contrast through black & white design beyond the border.

Materials Needed:
Illustration Board (multi-media), Watercolor Paint, Crow Quill Pens and India ink

Book:

Creating Textures in Pen & Ink with Watercolor - This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in pen and ink drawing. Instead of trying to explain techniques in detailed text, the book shows you step by step with color illustrations. It is written for all levels and the instructions are easy to follow. There is information on types of lines, value and contrast. A wide variety of techniques are also covered including dry surface, damp surface, wet on wet, spatter, blotting, impression, stamping and salt and alcohol.

Lesson Description:

Discuss:
1. Line-leading lines or compositional lines
2. Color, color schemes, color contrast
3. Value & Lighting
4. Cropping
5. Balance- visual

Instructions:
1. Choose your subject matter. Ideas include colorful insects, butterflies, birds, flowers, candy, sea-life with flowing fins or tentacles.
2. Using a sketchbook, draw at least one rough sketch of your design.

a. Start with a light contour line for the outside border. 3.5" (8.9 cm) from each side of the paper, draw a rectangle.
b. Use the Rule of Thirds to place your focal point.
c. Expand your design beyond the rectangle to the outside border of the paper.

3. When done with a sketch you're happy with, have your design approved by the teacher. Once approved, begin drawing it on the illustration board.
4. Start out drawing the final version of your draft by making sure your rectangle is 3 1/2” (8.9 cm) in from each side of the paper.
5. Lightly draw your main subject matter.
6. Don't fill your paper outside the rectangle with the background. Only extend parts of the background in ink to the edge of the page.
7. Paint the main subject of your picture with watercolors both inside and outside the rectangle. Only the colored part of the background should appear inside the rectangle.
8. Use India Ink to apply the contour lines and shading (using cross-hatching or something similar) on top of the watercolor portion when it's dried. Do the same beyond the border of the rectangle but do not add color. This part will only be black and white.

View More examples at: http://createartwithme.com/border-art-lesson/

Assessment:

Students illustrated continuity throughout the picture both inside and outside the rectangle. The picture shows a unified composition throughout the picture. Students successfully created an area of the picture that shows emphasis by using color. Students used both positive and negative space well.