Microcosm, insects and butterflies

• What do you think micro means? And cosmos?

• Think of words that relate to microcosm.

• What is the smallest thing you can think of?

Lesson 1: Insects, scale and toneLesson Objectives:• To look at various artists, who use insects and the

microcosmos as a form of inspiration.• To understand and look closely at the miniature

world of insects.• To understand scale by looking at Micrographia by

Robert Hooke.• To experiment with pencil mark making and

watercolour washes, showing the various delicate structures found on insects.

Lesson Outcomes:• A series of monochromatic observational drawings

and watercolour paintings that show understanding of scale, tone and shade, as well as intricate detail.

Homework:• An artist study of either Robert Hooke’s or Ernst Haeckel’s work.

PLTS: Independent Enquirer - Explore and develop my work using my own ideas, experiment with different materials.  

Robert Hooke (1635-1703)

An artist, biologist, physicist, engineer, architect, inventor… or else a polymath.

• What does polymath mean?

His most important work is Micrographia: or Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses, published in 1665. Micrographia was an detailed illustrated depiction of the previously unknown microscopic world.

Robert Hooke - Micrographia

Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919)

A biologist, naturalist, philosopher, physician, professor and artist.

He discovered, described and named thousands of new species and coined many terms in science and biology.

"You know, the problem with insects is they're always popping out where you don't expect them, you know? They're always surprising you and being in places where you don't want them.”

C. Marley (artist using insects)

Giles Revell

Giles Revell is a contemporary artist and photographer, whose work merges science and art. His images examine the architecture of insects, flowers and bubbles.

Insects, inspired by the collections of the Natural History Museum, is a project highlighting the wonders of the insect world. • How do you think these images were created?

Lesson 2: Butterflies, ink & colour

Lesson Objectives:• To look at various artists, who use insects and the

microcosm as a form of inspiration.• To experiment with watercolour painting and to

be able to show the various delicate structures of wings, wing veins, antennae, legs…

Watercolour: washes and transparency.

Lesson Outcomes:• A series of paintings of butterflies, using

watercolour paints.

PLTS: Self Manager - Collect different images that I can use in my artwork. Complete all work to the best of my ability using my own ideas.

Lesson 3: Printmaking

Lesson Objectives:• To gain knowledge and understanding of printmaking.• To experiment with different printmaking techniques, such as collagraph and monoprint.Collagraph: Print using a built surface (collage) using various textured materials.Monoprint: Create a single print by drawing on the ink.

Lesson Outcomes:• A built surface of different textures representing Ernst Haeckel’s and Richard Lydekker’s

Radiolarians.• A monoprint of an insect.

PLTS: Effective Participant – Talk and write simply about my work and artists work. Know how to change my artwork to make it look better.  

Collagraph

Collagraph is a printmaking process in which various textured materials are applied on a rigid surface .

During this lesson you need to create a pattern surface inspired by Ernst Haeckel’s and Richard Lydekker’s Radiolarians.

Monoprint

Monoprint is a form of printmaking that has an image that can only be made once. No two prints are alike.It is considered as a printed painting/drawing, rather than a reproduction technique.

After rolling a small amount of ink you can either:Place a sheet of paper on it and draw, orRemove some of the ink, with a cloth, and then place the sheet of paper on top.

Lesson 4: Experimental Textiles

Lesson Objectives:• To gain knowledge and be able to discuss and

analyse the work of Louise Bourgeois.• To experiment with different textiles techniques,

weaving and sewing.

Lesson Outcomes:• A fabric work of a spider in the ‘style’ of Louise

Bourgeois.

Homework:• In your own words write about Louise Bourgeois’

life and artwork. Make an artist study of one of her works.

PLTS: Creative Thinker - Try out different ideas and designs with my art work. Experiment with different materials and ways of working to combine ideas.

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois was a mixed media artist who dedicated her life to the artistic process and used her own experiences to create her work. She made artwork that is unique, real and imaginative. She has exhibited her art work in galleries all over the world.

Bourgeois was using the spider as a central image/idea in her art.

• Describe the artwork (materials, colours etc.).• What makes it interesting?• How does it make you feel? What sort of atmosphere does it create?• What do you think the idea is behind the work? • How could you use Louise Bourgeois’ artwork as an inspiration for you own work?• Think of a suitable title for this work.

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois, Maman

Louise Bourgeois, Fabric Work

‘The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother.’

Louise Bourgeois

Lesson 5: Collage, patterns and tessellationsLesson Objectives:• To gain knowledge and explore the work of

Christopher Marley, Damien Hirst and Jennifer Angus.

• To think of the ethics of art.• To understand patterns, symmetry and

tessellations.• To experiment with collage.

Lesson Outcomes:• A geometric pattern.• A collage in the ‘style’ of the above artists.

Homework:• Create a pattern with the technique of collage.

PLTS: Teamworker - Share my skills and abilities with fellow classmates with confidence. Be able to give and take advice on how to improve my own and others work.

Jennifer Angus

• Describe this work by Jennifer Angus.

• How was it created?

• What do you think the idea is behind the work?

Jennifer Angus

Damien Hirst, Christopher Marley

Patterns and Tessellations

Think of the composition, colours, shapes and patterns of these artworks.

• Get inspired by looking at the mosaic patterns on your table.

• In pairs, create the basic layout of a geometric pattern, using rulers, round objects and different shapes. Make a couple of experimentation and then transfer your chosen pattern into the A3 sheet provided.

Collage

In your pairs remake your pattern by using the drawings/paintings of your insects.

Think of how the insects themselves (colours, shapes…) enhance the pattern you have created.

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Mapping-Traces

Ants…

Rivane Neuenschwander

Lesson 6: Collage; Evaluation & AssessmentLesson Objectives:• To develop your collage and experiment with mixed media.• To think of an individual final piece.• To evaluate and assess your work.

Lesson Outcomes:• A completed collage in the ‘style’ of J. Angus, D. Hirst & C. Marley.• An Ideas Planning Sheet for a final piece.• Self-assessment sheet completed.

PLTS: Reflective Learner - Know how to make my work look better and set myself achievable targets to reach my next level.  

Ideas & Final Piece Planning

Remember the artists we looked at:

Remember the artistic processes we used.• Those were…

R. Hooke E. Haeckel L. Bourgeois C. Marleyetc.

Ideas & Final Piece Planning

Pencil drawingWatercolour painting Ink and mixed mediaCollagraphMonoprintFabric sculpturesCollage

• Which of the artists inspired you the most?• Which of these processes did you enjoy the most?• If you could make an individual final piece based on this project (the microcosm), what would it be and why?• What materials would you use? • What would the title be?

The main artist(s) I have been inspired by for my final piece is/are:

Robert Hooke/Ernst Haeckel Louise Bourgeois Jennifer Angus/Damien Hirst/Christopher Marley

I would like to work in the following medium:

Drawing Watercolour Painting Ink/mixed media Printmaking (monoprint/collagraph) Fabric/textiles Collage Other (specify): The reason for this is:

In the space below draw a sketch of how your final piece would look like.

Give your artwork a suitable title and explain why:

Ideas Planning Sheet

Evidence to explain levelATTAINMENT Level 3 Level 4CULTURAL UNDERSTANDINGLooking at art work by other artists, designers, craftspeople and cultures

I can record other art work and describe it

I can compare other art works and explain the different ways they are made and what they are about

COMPETENCEExploring ideas and developing my art work by:Collecting information (visual, written etc.)Trying out different ideas

I can respond to ideas given to me by my teacher and research these ideas. I can collect other information for my art work

I can research a range of ideas in different ways and use this information in my art work

CREATIVITYInvestigating materials and processes and making art work demonstrating understanding of the formal elements eg. Line, Tone, Texture, Colour, Form, Shape, Pattern

I can listen and follow instructions and use different art materials safely

I have used what I have learnt about materials and processes to make a piece of art work that connects to my project

CRITICAL UNDERSTANDINGEvaluating my own and other’s art work and developing it further

I can describe my own work and identify things I need to do to improve

I can discuss my own and other people’s art work, describing how it is made and work out how it could be improved

STUDENT ASSESSMENT Level (number) Sub-level (letter)

Effort 1 2 3 4STUDENT COMMENT

Achievements:Areas for development:

Louise BourgeoisThis is a sculpture by Louise Bourgeois.• Describe the artwork (materials, colours etc.).