Art Sub Lesson Plan - Quirky Novelty Architecture

 Novelty Architecture - aka Duck Architecture

As art teachers, we're always on the lookout for for unique and engaging lessons that spark our students' creativity and curiosity. One such fascinating topic is "duck architecture." But what exactly is it?

The Big Duck Building in Flanders, NY. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. CC-BY-SA-4.0.  Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net).

What is Duck Architecture?

The term "duck architecture" was coined in 1968 by architects Rober Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. It refers to buildings that are shaped like the products they sell or represent. Imagine a giant ice cream cone for an ice cream sop or a massive duck for a farm stand selling duck eggs.  These buildings ae not just functional, they are also whimsical and eye-catching, making them perfect subjects for an art lesson.

Teapot Dome Service Station in Zillah Washington. Photo is courtesy of Wikipedia and is in the public domain.

Kids love the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild. They can be so creative drawing their imaginary duck building. 

I have written up a drawing lesson about duck architecture that is suitable to hand to a sub. 

With this lesson, your sub will read the script, pose questions, and show visuals to introduce students to this fun concept. Then, the kids will get to design their own "duck architecture" masterpiece. No cookie-cutter designs here—every child's drawing will be one-of-a-kind!

I tried really hard to create a lesson with lots of visuals and examples to inspire your students.  Here are thumbnails to give you an idea of what your students will see.

There are also instructions for you sub to let them know how to set up and end the lesson.

The materials needed are simple: paper, pencil, and crayon (or marker, if you prefer)

Whether you project it as a PowerPoint or print it out for a close-up look, all the sub or teacher has to do is follow the simple directions. Get ready for a fun and unique learning experience!

I don't want you spending hours writing a lesson plan for your sub, when you likely are in a hurry. So, check out this sub plan here in my TPT shop:  Quirky, Big Duck Architecture.

 If are interested in other art lessons related to architecture, you might like these:

A Home with an Onion Dome

A Tree House for Me 

5 Free Art Lesson Plans for Drawing Pumpkins

Five Free Fall Art Lessons 

Here are five lesson plans about drawing pumpkins that I have written on my blog. They are complete lesson plans, so all you need to do is to have an example or two to share with your students.

Elementary Drawing Lesson - Pumpkin Sugar Skull - Halloween

Kindergarten Pumpkin Inspired by Piet Mondrian

Jen Stark Inspired Pumpkin Drawing - Lesson Plan - Halloween

Art Sub Lesson - Zentangle Pumpkins - Middle School

Captivating Pumpkin Art: Unleash Your Students' Creativity with Beatriz Milhazes-inspired Elementary Art Lessons

Here are more Halloween lessons you can find on this blog.

Halloween Art Lesson Plans for Elementary

Easy Art Sub Lesson for Halloween

Art Sub Lesson Plan - How to Draw a Monster

Art Sub Lesson - Zentangle Pumpkins - Middle School

 

Lesson Plan: Zentangle Pumpkin Art

Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Objective:

• Students will learn about the Zentangle method and its benefits.
• Students will create a pumpkin drawing filled with intricate Zentangle patterns.

Materials:

• White drawing paper
• Pencils and erasers
• Black fine-tip markers or pens
• Colored pencils or markers (optional)
• Reference images of pumpkins and Zentangle patterns

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Discussion: Introduce the concept of Zentangle. Explain that it is a method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Discuss the benefits of Zentangle, such as relaxation and increased focus.
2. Pumpkin Talk: Show images of pumpkins and discuss their shapes and textures. Explain that students will combine the shape of a pumpkin with Zentangle patterns.

Activity (40 minutes):

1. Sketching the Pumpkin:

   • Have students lightly sketch a large pumpkin in the center of their paper using a pencil. Encourage them to add details like the stem and any unique features.

2. Dividing the Pumpkin:

   • Instruct students to divide their pumpkin into several sections using light pencil lines. These sections will be filled with different Zentangle patterns.

3. Drawing Zentangle Patterns:

   • Demonstrate a few basic Zentangle patterns on the board, such as spirals, dots, and lines. Provide reference sheets with various patterns for inspiration.
   • Students will fill each section of their pumpkin with a different Zentangle pattern. Encourage them to use a variety of patterns and to take their time with each one.

4. Outlining:

   • Once the patterns are complete, students will outline their pumpkin and patterns with a black fine-tip marker or pen. This will help the patterns stand out.

5. Adding Color (Optional):

   • If desired, students can add color to their Zentangle pumpkins using colored pencils or markers. Encourage them to use color thoughtfully to enhance their patterns.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

1. Gallery Walk: Have students display their artwork around the classroom. Allow time for a gallery walk where students can admire each other’s work.
2. Discussion: Conclude with a discussion about what they enjoyed and learned from the activity. Ask questions like:
   • What did you find most relaxing or challenging about creating Zentangle patterns?
   • How did you decide which patterns to use in each section of your pumpkin?

Assessment:

• Participation in discussion and activity
• Creativity and effort in the artwork
• Ability to incorporate Zentangle patterns into their pumpkin drawing

This lesson plan not only teaches students about the Zentangle method but also allows them to express their creativity in a fun and seasonal way! 🎃🖊️

Captivating Pumpkin Art: Unleash Your Students' Creativity with Beatriz Milhazes-inspired Elementary Art Lessons

 Students will learn about the Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes, her use of bright colors, geometric patterns, and floral motifs, and apply these elements to create their own pumpkin drawings.

Materials:

• White drawing paper (8.5" x 11" or larger)

• Pencils and erasers

• Black markers or crayons

• Brightly colored markers, crayons, or watercolor paints

• Circular stencils or various-sized lids for tracing circles (optional)

• Reference images of Beatriz Milhazes' work (optional)

  
  

  1. Introduce Beatriz Milhazes:

     • Show examples of her vibrant, geometric, and floral works.

     • Discuss her style, focusing on her bold use of colors and patterns.

  2. Show Examples:

     • Display a few pieces by Milhazes and highlight the key elements: bright colors, overlapping shapes, floral patterns, and a sense of rhythm and movement.

  Activity Steps (30-35 mins):

  1. Draw the Pumpkin Shape:

     • Start by drawing a large, simple pumpkin shape in the center of the paper using a pencil.

     • Encourage the students to make their pumpkin big to fill most of the paper.

       
       

       1. Divide with Geometric Patterns:

          • Using circular stencils or lids, draw different-sized circles within the pumpkin shape to create sections.

          • Add other geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and wavy lines in some sections.

       2. Outline with Black:

          • Trace over all the pencil lines with black markers or crayons to create bold outlines.

       3. Decorate with Patterns:

          • Inside each geometric section, draw floral motifs, stripes, or any decorative patterns inspired by Milhazes’ work.Encourage students to use their creativity to fill each section with different designs.

            1. Color the Sections:

               • Use bright, contrasting colors to fill in the geometric sections and patterns.

               • Make sure to use a variety of colors to make the pumpkin vibrant and dynamic.

            2. Add a Background:

               • Draw and color simple geometric or floral patterns in the background to complement the pumpkin.

               • This will enhance the overall look and feel of the artwork, making it cohesive and lively.

            Conclusion (5 mins):

            • Display the completed Milhazes-inspired pumpkins around the room.

            • Have a quick discussion about how students felt using bright colors and patterns.

            • Encourage students to share what they enjoyed the most about combining Milhazes’ style with their pumpkin drawings.

            Reflection:

            • Ask students what they found easy or challenging about this activity.

            • Talk about how art from different cultures can inspire new and exciting creations.