Incorporating Proportion Into A Drawing Project
As I start a new class, I like to do an introductory lesson that requires very little instruction and lets students express themselves overtly for two important reasons. First, It builds trust and lets students know I will create lessons where their interests, points of view, or values can be expressed. Secondly, it allows me to learn about my new group of students on an individual basis. As they work I circulate, ask questions about the work and learn about them in the process. I will sometimes even gain an understanding of trends that are popular with their generation which can influence my own future lesson planning.
For this lesson, I wanted to have them create an artwork that would become the lock screen wallpaper for their cell phones. They could express their interests through their artwork as long as it was "school appropriate." All students had access to watercolor pencils, markers, paint pens, magazines, rules, compasses, and they could email me a Google Document filled with images if they wanted to collage elements or trace them. With that in mind, we also had light table available.
I always like to integrate core content or STEM connections in my lessons because I know it improves their understanding of all content areas. For this lesson I tied in proportion and the use of cross multiplication. Students had to find the aspect ratio of their individual cell phone screen and calculate the width of the paper knowing that it would be 18 inches tall. The video below introduces the lesson and this concept.
For this lesson, I wanted to have them create an artwork that would become the lock screen wallpaper for their cell phones. They could express their interests through their artwork as long as it was "school appropriate." All students had access to watercolor pencils, markers, paint pens, magazines, rules, compasses, and they could email me a Google Document filled with images if they wanted to collage elements or trace them. With that in mind, we also had light table available.
I always like to integrate core content or STEM connections in my lessons because I know it improves their understanding of all content areas. For this lesson I tied in proportion and the use of cross multiplication. Students had to find the aspect ratio of their individual cell phone screen and calculate the width of the paper knowing that it would be 18 inches tall. The video below introduces the lesson and this concept.
Here is what I wrote for the lesson in Google Classroom:
#1. Find the dimensions/ratio of your phone screen (many are 9 x 16) You might find it with a Google search. (For example, the ratio for an iPhone Pro Max is 19.5 to 9 ratio)
#2. Knowing the ratio, find out how wide it would be if the screen was 18 inches tall. Use cross multiplication to find the exact numbers. The video below explains how to figure it out for your phone. (In my Pro-Max example, it would be about 8.3 inches)
#3. Cut sketch paper to the correct proportions and design some lock screen artwork that can be added to your phone. (Consider adding text to your photo when you edit it so if someone found your phone they would be able to get it back to you.) The artwork you create should tell us something about you: interests, point of view, issue you care about, somebody you care about... It's your phone, it should say something (school appropriate) about you.
Stuck for ideas? Try these:
#4. We will complete 4 mini-thumbnail sketches and select one to explore as a final sketch. (If you fold your sketch paper into 4 parts, they will be the correct proportions) When you are satisfied with that sketch, you'll create your drawing on final white paper cut to the correct proportions. (You can even use a light box to trace it!)
#5. Photograph your final artwork, Add text if you want, amp up the colors too if you like, and add it to your phone's lock screen. Share both for a grade.
Photography Tips:
#1. Find the dimensions/ratio of your phone screen (many are 9 x 16) You might find it with a Google search. (For example, the ratio for an iPhone Pro Max is 19.5 to 9 ratio)
#2. Knowing the ratio, find out how wide it would be if the screen was 18 inches tall. Use cross multiplication to find the exact numbers. The video below explains how to figure it out for your phone. (In my Pro-Max example, it would be about 8.3 inches)
#3. Cut sketch paper to the correct proportions and design some lock screen artwork that can be added to your phone. (Consider adding text to your photo when you edit it so if someone found your phone they would be able to get it back to you.) The artwork you create should tell us something about you: interests, point of view, issue you care about, somebody you care about... It's your phone, it should say something (school appropriate) about you.
Stuck for ideas? Try these:
- Illustrate your favorite song & include some lyrics
- Create a parody Cartoon
- Email teacher images to print, trace, draw, & decorate
- Graffiti your name in block letters & fill with zentangle designs
#4. We will complete 4 mini-thumbnail sketches and select one to explore as a final sketch. (If you fold your sketch paper into 4 parts, they will be the correct proportions) When you are satisfied with that sketch, you'll create your drawing on final white paper cut to the correct proportions. (You can even use a light box to trace it!)
#5. Photograph your final artwork, Add text if you want, amp up the colors too if you like, and add it to your phone's lock screen. Share both for a grade.
Photography Tips:
- Blue-tape your image on the back at eye level to our whiteboard.
- Stand directly in front, camera centered at eye level.
- Be sure no shadows hit your image.
- Try with and without flash
- Check your image for clarity and "squareness"
- Crop to edges and amp/alter the colors if you want to.
- Add Return information if you desire (Reward if returned; Call 919-555-5555 or email [email protected])
| Worksheet For Cell Phone Project |
This was my example for students:
You can see students working through this exploration here:
I used these images in my display of student work:
...and here are some finished artworks.
If you like this lesson and are interested in others, I have THIS book of K-12 art lessons, and THIS follow-up for over 100 unique, choice-based art experiences. To get early notifications of my lessons and ones I am experimenting with, join my Facebook Group.
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