Dürer Rabbits
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:25
When we take time to observe the animals God created we learn not only about God, but also about the animals he created.
Objectives:
In this lesson you will practice using your observation skills to create what's called a "Master Copy" of a famous painting. The painting you will use is called "Young Hare." It is by German artist Albrecht Dürer who lived and worked 500 years ago. You can learn more about him HERE. Remember, you are practicing your observation skills--it is important for you to enjoy the process, whatever the outcome. Don't worry if the end product does not look exactly like Albrecht Dürer's or is not what you expected.
Materials:
- a large sheet of white paper
- oil pastels
- a pen or other tool to scratch with
- handout of Albrecht Dürer's "Young Hare" (below)
Process:
Look carefully at the image of Albrecht Dürer's "Young Hare." How many shades of brown do you see? What directions does the fur go? What shapes do you see?
- Pick your colors. (You do not have to use brown.) You will need a dark color and a light color of whichever color you choose (dark brown and light brown, for example, or dark blue and light blue...), as well as a black and a white.
- Look at the rabbit and draw the OUTSIDE SHAPE first. Then, add some of the inside lines... his jaw, the ear, the nose, etc.
- Color the whole thing with the white oil pastel. Press hard.
- Take your two colors (light and dark) and first draw in all of the dark areas that you see. Don't forget to look at Mr. Dürer's rabbit to remind you!
- Next, fill everything else in with your lighter color oil pastel.
- Use the back of a pen (or something similar) and scratch out the fur.
- Add details with black (eyes, nose, darkest shading).
- Finally, post your drawing on Artsonia so everyone can see it.
Standards:
VA:Cr1.2
VA:Cr2.1
VA:Re7.1
VA:Cr2.1
VA:Re7.1