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Lesson Plan: Crayon Etching
 

Teacher: Mr. Essex Garner, Saint Joseph Catholic School, Jefferson City, Missouri
Cooperating Teacher: Mrs. S. Weber
Unit: Making Art – Color design, Etching/Drawing Techniques - History and Art History integration
Grade Level: Elementary, Middle School, and High School (2 - 8) - Adaptable to higher and lower grades. 

Missouri Standards for Teacher Education Programs (MoSTEP)   1.2.2.2 Strengthens prior knowledge with new ideas. 1.2.1.4 Engages students in the methods of inquiry used in the subject(s). 1.2.2.3 Encourages student responsibility. 1.2.5.2 Engages students in active learning that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance capabilities. 1.2.3.4 Connects instruction to students' prior experiences and family, culture, and community. Standards:   Performance Indicators:   1.2.4.1 Selects and creates learning experiences that are appropriate for curriculum goals, relevant to learners, and based upon principles of effective instruction (e.g., encourages exploration and problem solving, building new skills from those previously acquired). 1.2.6.2 Manages time, space, transitions, and activities effectively. 1.2.9.2 Uses resources available for professional development.

 

Grades: 3-8
Ages: 7-12

Strand (Know about Art), (Making Art) and Elements of Art

 

Objective Students will be working in techniques of line, curves, etching and drawing. Using primary, secondary and intermediate colors to make complete background formats (Preparation of Surface Areas). Students will make a complete etch drawing of a famous artists work of art. Use a variety of techniques learned from previous art lessons. (Lines, Colors, shapes, complete the area, craftsmanship and esthetics)
 

Younger students will enjoy exploring with this activity while older students should be encouraged to investigate detailed images and patterns.

What You Need:

• Paper (Bristol board [poster board] works best)
• Crayons
• Popsicle stick or nail

What You Do:

Step One: Take a small piece of drawing paper (4" x 5") or (8 ½” x 11”). Cover the paper with a layer of bright, light-colored erasable crayons. Use even, firm pressure. You can make it all one color or create a pattern of different colors. Don't press too hard or the next layer won't cover well. Fill the paper with crayon shapes and patterns making sure to press hard. It is best to use light colors at this stage.

 

Step Two: Now color over the first layer of color with black erasable crayon.  Presses firmly to completely cover the colored layer. Once you have filled the paper with crayons patterns, color heavily over the whole paper using black crayon. Plan out a picture or design and using the Popsicle stick or paperclip, The light colors will show through where you scrape away the black. Beginning design for Starry Night Etching (Right) (Suzy Weber)

           
    Step Three: Think of what you want to draw. Simple objects with interesting lines work best. You may want to sketch it first. Looking closely at the object will help you see the interesting lines, patterns, textures and other details.   Polish the picture by rubbing wax paper on it -- to give it a shine. You can  also use a chamois cloth or even a plastic bag.
 

Step Four: Use a variety of drawing tools to draw different lines, patterns and textures. Try toothpicks, unbent paper clips, nails, screws or other tools that will scrape through the black layer without tearing the paper. Draw gently! If you make a mistake, reapply the black crayon to cover it up!     Assessment is completed through the attached rubrics for this assignment.     Example Student Art Work (Starry Night)     Vincent Van Gogh Lesson. 3rd Grade, Saint Joseph Cathedral Elementary School.