The Art of Anatomy

Goals:

 TLW demonstrate skill in observational drawing.

 TLW create mixed media pieces that demonstrate understanding of the elements and
principals.

Objectives:

 TLW be able to identify anatomical drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.

 TLW draw a portion of a skeleton from observation.
 TLW use value and/or color to model the skeleton.
 TLW deconstruct their drawing and utilize the strongest portion in their composition.
 TLW experiment with a variety of media to complete a work of art.

Concepts:

 Observing and drawing from a skeleton is important in understanding a figure.

 Many artists including Leonardo da Vinci used this method to aid their other works of
art.
 Other artists used skeletons as part of their completed works.
 There are many ways to utilize the elements and principles to make creative works: for
example, by changing the color of the shadows the feel of the entire work can change or
by changing the position of the drawing the work can change.

Visuals:

 Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical studies

 Drawings of skeletons.
 Completed works with skeletons by famous artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe.
 Completed work by students.

Supplies, equipment, and resources

 Heavy drawing paper

 Pencils
 Watercolors
 Oil pastels
 Colored pencils
 Corrugated cardboard
 Acrylic paint
 Brushes
 Rubber Cement
 Scissors/X-acto knives
 Teaching procedures

Session 1
Show students anatomical drawings by da Vinci. Ask students to describe what they
see. Explain to students how and why da Vinci created these drawings and how he
made these notes. Show works by other artists who used skeletons in their work. Invite
students to look closely at actual skeletons and bones as well as photographs of bones.
Discuss skeletal structure or invite someone from the science department to do so. Ask
students questions such as Why do artists need to be able to draw from observation?
Why would artists value drawing from a skeleton? Demonstrate for students how to
make a contour drawing of a portion of a skeleton. Have the students make a contour
drawing of a portion of the skeleton.
Session 2
Ask students questions to review learning from the previous lesson such as What did da
Vinci’s skeletal drawings look like? Why are da Vinci’s drawings art? Which other artist
did we discuss who painted bones? Why do you think O’Keeffe painted bones? Show
videos of da Vinci and O’Keeffe. Also show students finished examples from the Art of
Anatomy lesson. Demonstrate how to model the skeletal drawing with pastels or paint
to add depth. Have students plan what color theme they want to use such as
complementary, monochromatic, or analogous. Have them use one or two of the
colors to model their drawing.
Session 3
Ask students to create 4 sketches for their final composition and, once completed, help
students select their strongest composition. Help students deconstruct their drawing,
manipulate the cardboard, paint sections, and remove the top layer of cardboard in
some areas. Have the students attach their drawings to the cardboard and complete
their pieces by adding paint and pastel as needed. Ask students to use the rubric to
assess their own work. Display the drawings with an explanation of the project.

Evaluation questions

Were students able to:

 Identify works by Leonardo da Vinci?

 List reasons artists draw from skeletons?
 Create a contour drawing of a skeleton?
 Use paint or pastels to indicate depth on their drawings?
 Complete their compositions and assess their work?
 Were the teaching procedures and demonstrations successful in leading students to
fulfill the objectives?
 Consider elements and principles to create competitive works?
 What could be done to improve the lesson next year?
Standards

This lesson utilizes all four artistic processes and meets eight anchor standards.

Creating:

Anchor standard #1-Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Anchor standard #2-Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Anchor standard #3-Refine and complete artistic work.

Presenting:

Anchor standard #5-Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

Responding:

Anchor standard #7-Perceive and analyze artistic work.

Anchor standard #8-Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Anchor standard #9-Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

Connecting:

Anchor standard #11-Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical
context to deepen understanding.

Adapted from a lesson by Debi West by Stephanie Busbea https://naea.digication.com/artstuff/

Leonardo da Vinci video https://www.biography.com/video/leonardo-da-vinci-mini-biography-

14066755621

Georgia O’Keeffe video https://www.biography.com/video/georgia-okeeffe-mini-biography-2168460595