Chalk Pastel Smudges

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

  • Thinking Creatively
  • Pastel Techniques
  • Following Step by Step Directions
    • A vid of northern lights is shown as inspiration.

    Students are shown how to make a template that represents mountains or waves of northern lights. This template is laid on a dark background paper and chalk pastels are smudged over it in straight vertical strokes. The template is moved and more smudges are made.

    Students, then have to figure out what to put under the northern lights. This part is done with white paper. Students draw their ideas on white paper with pencil first, then color in parts of it with pastels. The object(s) is(are) cut out and glued to the black paper.

    Ideas for what's under the northern lights are put forth and written on the board. Below are those from this year:
  • Polar bear
  • Penguin on a snow drift
  • House with yellow glowing windows and smoking chimney
  • Wolf
  • Elk
  • City Skyline
  • Lake and Boat
  • Fish house
  • Mountains
  • Igloo
  • Snomobile
  • Villiage
  • Moose
  • Bear



    • Image above by Alexis V.
    Step by Step instructions:
    1. Rip scrap paper
    2. Smudge pastel waves
    3. Draw scene on white half sheet
    4. Sharpie/Ink scene
    5. Color scene
    6. cut out scene
    7. Glue scene to waves
    Evaluation:
    3 points -- smudging and smearing
    4 points -- Nicely ripped paper "waves"
    4 points -- Nicely drawn and colored objects under the northern lights

    10 points total.


    Sunset above by Ava V.