Bug Blend

Minnesota 6-8 Visual Art Standards
Used in this Lesson

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1b. Analyze how the principles of visual art, such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Describe characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Demonstrate the characteristics of the tools, materials and techniques of various two-and-three- dimensional media for intentional effects in original artworks.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Compare and contrast the connections among visual artworks, their purposes, and their personal, social, cultural and historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Analyze the meanings and functions of visual art.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks in a variety of artistic contexts.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 4c. Develop an artistic statement, including how audience and occasion influence creative choices.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Assemble and prepare personal artworks for public exhibition.
  • 5b.Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others, self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 5c. Develop an artistic intent, including how audience and occasion impact presentation choices.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Analyze and interpret a variety of visual artworks using established criteria.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Science: insect anatomy
  • Paint Blending/gradients
    • The teacher demonstrates how to blend Watercolor paints by painting while students follow along on their paper.

    A few techniques are illustrated by the teacher while the students try them on their paper:
  • Thin and thick lines
  • Gradient Wash
  • Dry brush
  • Cube with each side a lighter color
  • Cylinder
  • Sphere
  • Brush lift
  • Paper towel blot


    • Next, students are given a half sheet and walked through the process of making a bug, following as the teacher does his. After the practice piece, they are given large paper and have a chance to exercise their creativity on their own bug blend picture.

    1. Draw 1-inch frame around paper
    2. Draw 2 big eyes
    3. Draw arc through eyes and add mouth
    4. Paint eyes white
    5. While white is still wet, add TINY bit of black to edges and blend, then let dry
    6. Paint below arc bug color, Above arc sky/plant/background colors
    7. Paint details: Iris, pupil, teeth, spots, eyebrows, etc.
    8. Outline with sharpie when dry.

    Evaluation:
    2 points -- Followed Directions
    3 points -- Paint blending on eyes, mouth, and other parts
    2 points -- Details added (eye brows, teeth, tongue, hair, whiskers, spots, etc.)
    3 points -- Dark outlines that includes line weight

    10 points total.


    Above done by Zoey S.


    Above done by Taylor T.


    Above done by Miley k.


    Above done by Laura H.


    Above done by Ava S.


    Above done by Kira P.


    Above done by Hannah S.


    Above done by Aaron B.


    Above done by Paul H.