Camouflage - Art

In this interdisciplinary lesson, students will create a journal collage of an animal that migrates. First, students will assemble their journal and practice the Elements and Principles of Design on the journal’s inside pages. Afterwards, follow the step-by-step guide to create your camouflaged journal cover. This lesson is great for many ages and abilities. Follow along with the Ohio Fine Arts Standards to create a beautiful, long-lasting keepsake.
 

Download the full learning guide to access the Journal Collage activity and use this page to navigate the artwork and the Canton Museum of Art’s information pages and videos.

Materials Needed to Create a Journal Collage:

  • Printer Paper
  • Heavier Paper (like construction paper)
  • Ruler
  • One Hole Punch
  • Permanent Marker
  • Nonstick Plate (saran wrap, plastic, bubble wrap)
  • Paintbrush
  • Materials for Texture (texture plates,
    bubble wrap, pencils, glue, etc.)
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • String or Thread
  • Glue
  • Acrylic Paints
  • Toothpick
  • Watercolor 
  • Scrap Materials (magazines, scrap paper, newspaper)
  • Acrylic Skins

Assembling a Journal

Learning Objectives: Students will assemble a Journal Collage.

A journal is a place to record your ideas. It can be a private or public platform. In your journal, you can practice doodles, drawings, or notes. It is a place to tell your story however you want!

Let your journal be an artistic outlet to get those creative juices flowing!

Watch the video to the right for directions on assembling your journal.

Art History

Learning Objectives: Students will learn about the history of each art piece.

Click on the artwork or its title to find more information about the piece.

Looking for Balance
Taylor Robenalt

Toad World
Susan C. Ross

Pattern

Learning Objectives: Students will identify and create different patterns. 

A pattern is a repeated decoration or design. A design is created by a composition of Elements and Principles of design. 

Types of Patterns: zig zag, scales, raindrops, swirl, circles, dots, squiggles, and more!

Zentangles

Learning Objectives: Students will learn about and create Zentangles.

A Zentangle is a meditative drawing exercise that promotes concentration and creativity. Zentangles started with a monk named Rick Roberts and an artist named Maria Thomas. Zentangles come in all shapes and sizes!

Example of a Zentangle

Texture

Learning Objectives: Students will understand and draw different textures.

Texture is how something looks or feels.

Artists draw texture by using different techniques, such as: hatching, cross hatching, scumbling, wavy lines, scales, feathers, and stippling. Examples of some of these techniques are shown in the picture to the right.

 

Example of Textures

Mood Board

Learning Objectives: Students will understand and create mood boards.

A mood board is a composition of text, pictures, and samples. It is an organized collage that has one theme. A mood board can show anything – fashion, cooking, sports, words, textures, patterns, and more! See an example of a mood board in the picture on the right.

composition is the way elements create a cohesive work of art.

What goes on a mood board? Pattern swatches, color theme, magazine clippings, drawings, word phrases, fabric clippings, textures, and patterns.

 

Example of a Mood Board

Acrylic Skins

Learning Objectives: Students will learn about and create acrylic skins.

An acrylic skin can be made from layering, mixing, and drying out acrylic paint. Acrylic skins can be used for all kinds of projects! Acrylic skins can be used for collagen jewelry making, mosaic designs, and much more! The possibilities are endless!

Watch the video on the right to see how acrylic skins are made!

 

Make Acrylic Skins

Let's Get Started: Journal Cover

Learning Objectives: Students will make a Journal Cover.

Now that the inside of your journal is beautiful, it’s time to decorate the outside! You have officially mastered the techniques of pattern, texture, color, and design. It’s time to use them all!

Watch the video on the right for instructions to create your Journal Cover!

 

Make a Journal Cover