The 3rd grade started last week creating these abstract owls. The photo above is my example that they looked at as they created their own owl picture. We focused on two art vocabulary words on day one; abstract & symmetrical.
We determined that this owl is abstract because, although it contains realistic features that tell us it's an owl, like the beak, eyes, and shape of the bird, it has many abstracted features. The colors are not realistic and the features of the owl have been simplified and stylized.
We also discussed how this face is symmetrical, the same on both sides. The drawing that they were going to create needed to show symmetry. I had a little trick that they could use to help create symmetry.
We determined that this owl is abstract because, although it contains realistic features that tell us it's an owl, like the beak, eyes, and shape of the bird, it has many abstracted features. The colors are not realistic and the features of the owl have been simplified and stylized.
We also discussed how this face is symmetrical, the same on both sides. The drawing that they were going to create needed to show symmetry. I had a little trick that they could use to help create symmetry.
First the students folded their 9"x 9" drawing paper in half. We used an Ebony pencil to draw half of the owl. An Ebony pencil has very soft, smudgy graphite. Once half of the drawing was complete we flipped it inside out so the drawing was now on the inside and used the side of the pencil to rub the folded paper. The drawing was transferred to the other side, making it completely symmetrical.
After the pencil drawing was complete we traced the pencil line with a black Sharpie and began to add color. We used Crayola markers in a new way, adding an outline of color and then using a paintbrush and water to make the color bleed, creating a soft effect.
These owls have so much personality and each one is so different. The students were very enthusiastic about the drawing process. I can't wait to see how they all turn out.