THE PROGRAM
The Fooling With Mother Nature program is based on twelve pastel images that show man-made objects doing damage to, or creating mischief with, the environment. You can see them on The Artwork tab where you can also download a zip file containing all of the images.
The program is highly flexible. You can choose to do it in one day in a 1-2 hour session, or spread it out over several weeks by showing 3-4 images each week. You can decide whether to use some or all of the images.
THE PLAN
:Step 1) DISCUSSION - The class will discuss the artwork together, using the questions below as a guide. In addition, each painting has two unique questions you will see when you click on an image.
Environmental Science
- How is the artist showing us our relationship with the environment?
- Why should we be concerned about human impact on the environment?
- How can each of us improve the environment?
- Why use humor to discuss an environmental challenge?
Art
- Where on the page is the central object?
- Where is the horizon line?
- Which images make the best use of complementary colors?
- How does backlighting affect the composition?
Step 2) WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT - Each student will choose one image to examine more closely and write about. The paragraph should include the following: Why was the image effective? What did you learn? How might your actions change as a result?
Step 3) ARTWORK - Each students will make an environmental drawing or painting inspired by the environmental topic of his/her choice.