3 class periods of 45 minutes each
Small Groups
Students will learn to sketch and paint simple geometric shapes that represent plants, animals, water, the earth and mankind. The students will learn that rock art often contains human interpretation of their natural environment and immediate surroundings.
Teachers will read about and understand the four major styles of rock art seen in Sacred Images: A Vision of Native American Rock Art. Teachers will demonstrate the process of sketching and painting for a small group. Provide several examples, prior to starting the lesson. Review Alex Patterson's book for background information which will help prepare you for this lesson. Students can brainstorm all ideas in pairs such as the different plants, animals and earth forms that are in their environment. Utilizing the ideas, each pair will sketch symbols using geometric shapes to represent their ideas. Keep it simple.
The students will learn to sketch and paint utilizing water color paints. Develop their background knowledge in watercolor painting techniques, background wash, sketching symbol on their wash with pencil, prior to painting symbol on paper. Natural colors used to paint with are resources available to the artist in their own environment. Students will need to sketch their own symbol on paper prior to sketching it on the watercolor paper.
Students will sketch and paint simple geometric shapes that represent plants, animals, water, the earth or mankind. Students will make a connection to their natural environment. Students will understand that simple geometric shapes used to create their symbols were utilized in rock art.
A public art display of student work out on the main foyer during school family night. The student may write a short description to interpret their rock art symbol - petroglyph
Patterson, Alex A Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols: Of the Greater Southwest 1992.