Activity 8: A Sense of Character
Level
· All
Purpose
· To explore the
simplicity of line and its ability to evoke a sense of character and
humour.
· To explore humour and levity in Peter and Catharine's art.
Materials
· Pen and ink
(or other black medium like fine black marker, grease pencil)
· White
paper
Procedure
· Pen and Ink
Caricatures
1. Engage the class in looking
at the pen and ink sketches and Christmas cards.
a) Discuss differences between these works and the
landscapes.
(people, colour, size,
subject matter, humour, realism)
b) Ask students if they think this scene
really happened as it is depicted. How do you know it's not 'real?'
(Logic and experience tell us these things don't happen in real life, E.G.
animals don't paint, people don't step on each other's faces)
c) The
artist has drawn these in a cartoon-like style, or 'caricature' meaning
certain features are exaggerated for comic effect. Which elements are
exaggerated? The style of drawing tells the viewer this is meant to be
humourous and not real.
2. Discuss why the artist
chose to use mainly black and white to do these works. (To focus on the
quality of line and features. There is no colour to distract.)
3. Have students draw an
everyday scene, making it humourous by exaggerating certain features.
a) Use black
medium like pen and ink, thin black marker, or black grease pencil on
white paper.
Evaluation
· Demonstrated
understanding of the concept of caricature through appropriate
exaggeration.
Curriculum Connections
·
Visual Art
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