Framing Question

How can nature inspire watercolour painting and an understanding of balance?

Learning Goal

If students participate in an open-ended, hands-on visual arts at Forest Valley, then they will experience how nature can inspire the creative process and develop more understanding of the elements of design and the principle of balance.

Curriculum Connections

Overall Expectations (The Arts -Visual Arts: Grade 4 –8; The Ontario Curriculum 2009)

D1. Creating and Presenting: apply the creative process (see pages 19–22) to produce a variety of two- and three-dimensional art works, using elements, principles, and techniques of visual arts to communicate feelings, ideas, and understandings;

D2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing: apply the critical analysis process (see pages 23–28) to communicate feelings, ideas, and understandings in response to a variety of art works and art experiences;

D3. Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts: demonstrate an understanding of a variety of art forms, styles, and techniques from the past and present, and their sociocultural and historical contexts.

Possible Sequence of the Day

During their day at Forest Valley, students are introduced to watercolour painting through an examination of elements of design, especially colour and shape. The study of natural realism (trees, plants, etc) and landscape (scenery) will provide the focus of instruction. Forest Valley staff will work to include the principle of design specified in the curriculum for this grade level (balance). Students will produce paintings that will be sent back to school after the school visit.

Pre and Post Activities