The document provides instructions for a series of art projects focused on the themes of nature versus culture and serendipity. Students will go on nature walks or dumpster dives to find natural and man-made objects to sketch. They will then research examples of art with nature and culture themes. Additional projects include combining object sketches in interesting ways, using watercolors over the sketches, and creating a composition using a liquid spill on paper with oil pastels. The goal is to find inspiration through open-minded exploration and accidental discoveries.

1. Finding inspiration with an open mind

2.  “Happy accident"
or “Pleasant
surprise”
 Finding something
good while not
specifically
looking.
http://youtu.be/_Tq5vXk0wTk

3. Our first try for serendipity… loosely themed Nature vs. Culture
Idea adapted from The Blooming Palette/Davis School Art magazine, Feb 2010
http://thebloomingpalette.blogspot.com/2010/01/recylced-grounds-high-school-art-mini.html

4.  Nature walks and/or dumpster dives in
class
 Find some small, interesting objects both
natural and man-made.
 Put them in your Zip Loc Bag
 Not too dirty or dangerous please!

5.  Sketch your objects using
weighted line. Zoom in,
crop, try different angles.
 Optional: “treasure
hunt” at home for more
things – sketch them and
/or bring next class
 Try sharpies to simplify
Sample sketches

6.  Research “nature vs.
culture” theme in art
 Print/sketch an
example you like;
journal about artist
 Links online to help
Angkor Vat, 9th Century temple from
 Optional-more items Khmer Empire, (Cambodia)

7.  Combine & draw your
objects in a still life (do
several thumbnails)
 OR combine your sketches
in visually interesting
ways (thumbnails)
 Feel free to repeat, edit, or
abstract shapes & forms

8.  Tape edges of your paper
 Complete final sketch
 LIMITED color palette – triadic or
analogous work well
 Watercolors and sharpies (happy
accidents)
 Class demo on watercolor
 Add accent lines at end if needed

9. Example from Issmay Uentesfay
Example from The Blooming Palette, student artist Grace G.

10.  Were you successful?
 Did you use the Rule of Thirds?
 Does your piece use rhythm or contrast?
 HOMEWORK: bring oil pastels or crayons if you
can for Magical Mystery project
 Bring any liquid drink (juice box, soda can,
coffee, tea) (extra credit) …. Or piece of fruit real
or fake….

11. No further information available (or it wouldn’t be a mystery)

12. SPILL your liquid on the canvas or watercolor paper. Put in drying rack.

13. Student Example
• Notice how she
uses organic shape
combined with the
spillage
• India ink & brush
• Details added with
oil pastel
• Credit: The
Blooming Palette
(via Pinterest)

14. MAGICAL MYSTERY
DIRECTIONS, PART 2
Take spilled paper/canvas
Find an organic object from the
still life objects.
Sketch it with diluted india ink
on your spillage.
Select 3 oil pastels to further
develop your composition
Follow teacher
instructions….SURPRISE!!!
(another example from The
Blooming Palette)

15.  Were you successful? Why or why not?
 Did you use the Rule of Thirds?
 Does your piece use rhythm or contrast?
 What did you learn?

16.  Figure drawing… we will be abstracting figure
sketches that you do in class.
 Need volunteers to sit on the tables as
models (clothed)
 MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW… STAY
TUNED…