Birds and Bees Curriculum Integration:
 Earth/Env.Science, Biology

 Concepts 
NC Course of Study Objectives: 21st Century Skills:
  • Nature Art
    		• 4.01A.1, A.4
  • Stylized Artwork
    		• 4.03, 5.04B.2, B.4
  • Working with Shape and Color
    		• 1.02, 4.03 B.3
  • Catching the Essence
    		• 6.07 C.4
  • Powers of Observation
    		• 6.06, 6.08 C.3

    33 cent Insect and Spider stamps - Who was the artist? 1983 stamps - State Birds and Flowers



     Skills 

    • Managing materials conservatively



     Artists 

    • John James Audobon - 1785-1851 - the most famous bird artist in the world

      Super-realistic illustration of a cardnal (the NC State Bird) Great Horned Owl - 'like a bobcat with wings'

    • Charley Harper - 1922-2007 - a modern artist, famous for stylized birds and wildlife paintings

      'Red and Fed' - a very stylized illustration of a cardinal



     Words We'll Use 

    • Experimentation: To search out by trial.

    • Geometric: Shapes that are made using specific mathematical formulas and are named such as circle, hexagon, etc.

    • Organic: Any living or natural shape that is not geometric.

    • Process: Progressive course, a series of changes, a method of creating.

    • Relief: Artwork that uses the third dimension but is clearly created on a flat surface. Artwork that sticks up a little from the flat surface.

    • Score: In paper sculpture, to crease using a semi-sharp object for easy folding; in clay, to slash or cut before joining pieces.

    • Stylize: Created in a certain style - simplify or exaggerate elements - give a sense or feel for the subject rather than an exact replication.

    • Technique: A special way to create artwork, often by following a step-by-step procedure.




     Projects 
    • Cut paper - Stylizing a bird or an insect

    • White on white/Black on black - paper relief of a bird or insect



     Keeping Busy 

    • Five steps in transition - from organic to inorganic

    • Watercolor pencils - draw a very realistic picture of a bird or insect



     Enrichment 

    • Microcosmos

    • Powerpoint comparing Audobon to Harper

    • Audobon prints

    • Charley Harper poster

    • Stitched birds (2D and 3D) by BCurrin



     Homework/Makeup Work 

    • Bird identification cards - Using the Internet or a book as a guide, make 'flash cards' (5"x7") with simple but clear color drawings of 5 birds that are common in North Carolina. Label the cards on the back with the name of the bird.

    • See also - General Homework options on the Homework page.