Grade Level: 10th 12th Grade

Subject: Art, 8x Day Lesson (45 min.) Prepared By: Benjamin E. Hoffman, Student Art Teacher

Nature Inspired Scratchboard

Lesson Summary: Students will be introduced to the art of scratchboard through the construction of scenes and objects found in nature. Students will
first explore the various techniques that can be made using various scratch tools on the immediate surface. Upon completion, students will render a
flower of their choosing to capture both light, shadow and the various textures found within. For their final artwork, students will create their own
scratchboard using India ink and Oil Pastels following a teacher led demonstration. Upon doing such, students will render both a pine cone as well as
one additional object found in nature. Both objects are to be arranged in an interesting composition following the introduction to the rule of thirds.

Big Idea: Throughout time and across cultures, artists have utilized various tools to mimic that of their subject matter.

Key Concepts:

Learning how to draw from observation provokes close looking.

The contrast between light and shadow can easily define a change in shape.

The ways in which various mark making techniques are applied can drastically transform an images
appearance from being two-dimensional to three-dimensional as well as its surface texture.

Relationships are based upon the proportions from one object to another.
Essential Questions:

How can using a different mark making technique impact our artwork? What relevance do artists
have for using multiple mark making techniques in a singular artwork? Why?

How does the arrangement of an artwork impact its meaning?

What does cropping an image do to its overall appearance? How is it affected? Why?

How do the tools in which artists use impact the subject matter of their artwork? Why?
Specific Objectives:

Students will explore the various mark making techniques that can be made using various scratch
tools on readymade scratchboard.

Students will accurately demonstrate their understanding of mark making techniques, composition
and value through the following tutorials & final artwork:
o Students will be required to present at least 10x different mark making techniques.
o Upon completion, students will render a flower of their choosing, capturing both light,
shadow and the various textures found within on readymade scratchboard.
o For their final artwork, students will create their own scratchboard using India ink and Oil
Pastels following a teacher led demonstration. (Using 12 x 18 White Tag Board)
o Upon doing such, students will render both a pine cone as well as one additional object
found in nature arranged in an interesting composition following the Rule of Thirds.

Students will choose at least 3x different mark making techniques to complete their final artwork
which will include evidence of measurable relationships, surface texture and adequate value.
Standards Addressed:

9.1.12.A Shape, Line, Proportion/Scale & Contrast

9.1.12.B Drawing from Direct Observation

Verification/Assessment:

Pre-Assessment:
Students would be first introduced to
scratchboard as an exploratory medium to
develop an individual skillset of various
mark making techniques. These
techniques would then be later applied to
their final artwork.

Formative Assessment:
Evaluate students interpersonal skills,
work habits & attitudes as they work.
Considering the importance of
observational skills, students will be
assessed on the completion of all related
tutorials and final artwork that will include
evidence of measurable relationships,
surface texture and adequate value.

Summative:
Students will share their final artworks with
one another in an informal classroom
critique first modeled. In addition,
students will evaluate ones self
considering the progress made and
innovative process.

9.1.12.E Unifying theme of Drawing from Observation

9.3.12.E Respond Critically & Evaluate Progress

Instructional Procedures

Motivation/Engagement/The Hook:
Every other day, students will complete a Bell Ringer which will allow
students to settle down as they enter the classroom. Examples include
drawing/rendering a sphere using a mark-making technique first explored
when developing that students skill-set. This constant review would act as
a formative assessment for the teacher. Following the initial exploration of
scratchboard, students would continue on with their first graded tutorial.

Development:
Upon the completion of acquiring a skill-set through the exploration of
scratchboard and its various tools, students will render a flower of their
choosing, capturing both light, shadow and the various textures found
within on readymade scratchboard. For their final artwork, students will
create their own scratchboard using India ink and Oil Pastels following a
teacher led demonstration. Upon doing such, students will render both a
pine cone as well as one additional object found in nature arranged in an
interesting composition following the Rule of Thirds.

Culmination/Close:
The goal of this activity is for students to accurately demonstrate their
understanding of composition and value through the use of at least 3x
different mark making techniques on their final artwork. Students will
have had the opportunity to self-assess themselves as well as
constructively critique their peers before submitting. Any remaining
questions, comments or concerns would be addressed before grading.

Teacher Research &

Preparation:

White Drawing Paper (9 x 12)

White Tag Board
(6 x 6) & (12 x 18)
Scratchboard (8 x 8)
Oil Pastels
India Ink
Paint Brushes (Various Sizes)
Grid (Optional)
Ball Point Pen
Tape
Scratching Tools

Various Plastic Flowers

Pine Cones (Assorted)
Instructional Resources:
Exemplars (Reference as
needed)

__Student Supplies: __

Pencil

_____Vocabulary:____

Scratchboard Etching
Composition Rule of Thirds
Positive & Negative Space
Value/Tonal