Subject(s): Art Grades(s): Grades PreK-1, Grades 2-3

Title – Funky Western Designs[Variety]
By – Cecilia Elizondo & Rudy Valdez
Primary Subject – Art
Secondary Subjects –
Grade Level – K-3
Teachers: Cecilia Elizondo & Rudy Valdez
Grade level: Elementary

Lesson: Funky Western Design
Timeline: 2-3 periods

Objectives: TLW identify various art elements [line, shape, color, pattern, etc.] in creating original Western-theme design, focusing on VARIETY, understanding importance of variety as part of an effective design.

Materials: photocopy images of western-theme
[cowboys, horses, etc.], felt-tip sharpies, oil pastels, crayons [opt.], paper chamois[for blending]

Discuss how variety exists in their everyday world:
*candy varieties: Twix, Skittles, M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, etc.
*people varieties: blonde, brunette, redhead, tall, short, average, etc.
Discuss and view variety in work of Remington [or other famous artist of your choice, Picasso always seems to be a favorite with younger levels, but we chose Remington because of Western-themed unit]
The plain and simple:
1. Pass out different photocopy images [one per]
2. Have students trace contour lines of image with sharpie pen
3. Student turns paper over to find bled-through lines on back; student will now trace those lines.
4. Student will now use choice of media to fill in the shapes and irregular forms using variety; make sure that each shape varies in design-fill—patterns and colors can repeat, but no shapes that touch can repeat same design-fill.
5. Finished work matted unto construction paper or railroad board and displayed; optional: Design fills can extend unto the border to create an interesting contrast effect.