Class 1
September 13, 2019
Exploration 1: Sketchbook Introduction, Part 1
During this class, we will be teaching students the importance of using a sketchbook to develop ideas and think through their own creative process. This is important because keeping track of their ideas can help students grow as artists, it can help them understand where they started and where they are now. This is something that is important to start at a young age because that can help them grow throughout their artistic development. We will also introduce the Wonder Lab teachers by sharing our artwork.
Essential Understanding:
Artists and designers use sketchbooks as part of their creative process to think through and develop their ideas.
Learning Target:
After the introduction, students will be able to generate ideas for their sketchbook cover, by talking in groups about their ideas, and then beginning to work. After discussion, students will be able to understand why artists and designers use sketchbooks in their creative process, as measured through their contributions to the discussion
Key Concepts:
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Students will explore how to generate ideas by talking about them to others and by writing them down.
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Students will use observation skills to start to connect the artist to the art they make.
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After students think through their ideas, they will be able to choose and work with a medium or a variety of mediums to create their cover.
Skills:
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Ideation
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Collaboration
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Reflection​
Documentation
Studio Habit: Observation
The Wonderlab teachers brought examples of our artwork and the students used their observation skills to try and guess who made what. A few students shared the reasons why they made their choices with the class and their comments demonstrated an understanding of the possible motivations an artist might have in making art.
"I think this is yours because you are older so you have a different art style."
"I picked this because you have curly hair and you might have made this to represent you."
"Your name tag looked like you were good at sketching."
Studio Habits: Envision/Express
Sketchbook Prompt: What do you want to be when you grow up?
"I want to be a cook..."
"What do you want to cook?"
"Whatever food. As long as it's food."
Designing Sketchbook Covers
"Did you draw the killer whale first or the people first?"
"The killer whale."
"Why?"
"If you start with the small thing it makes it easier to draw the big thing."
"I like to draw comics. I took the characters from the eggman comic and mixed and matched them."
"Why did you mix the characters?"
"So more people would want to read it so it's fun to read."
"Why did you make this choice?"
"I wanted it to be less realistic."
"Why?"
"I was inspired by Miss Sienna's sketchbook because she drew shapes."
Comments about Gessoed Sketchbook Covers
"It smells like plastic."
"I don't like how rough it feels"
"It feels like my ceiling."