4th Grade: Bugging Out

For this unit students learned about Contour art with a twist; creating an image using one line without looking. This "blind art" created a free flow sketch that didn't rely on sight but on concentration of observing an image of bugs/crustaceans/insects. Students at this age are very particular and have a difficult time letting go of that control...having no control forced a new skill of observation. After their sketch students painted in their creatures using a layering technique. The final step was to recreate their creature using wire. Students learned how to manipulate wire by twisting, pinching and bending to try to match their line drawing. 
Vocabulary Learned: Contour art, movement, volume, subject matter, "blind art", wash, layering technique, loop-twist, thread-wrap, wavy bend, manipulation, wire sculpture. 
Materials Used: Watercolor paper, pencil, creature images, black colored pencil, watercolor paint, scissors, color coated electrical wire.