Students will be introduced to the Mexican and pioneer craft of gourd painting. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design will be reinforced while creating original works of art.
Created by Alisa Ripley, August 2007
The students will learn and select appropriate vocabulary to discuss the use of art elements such as color, texture, form, line, space and value, and art principles such as emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, and unity. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.1)(B) TEKS §117.17. Fine Arts (5.1)(B)
The students will express ideas through original artworks, using a variety of media and at an appropriate skill level. The students are expected to: integrate a variety of ideas about self, life events, family, and community in original artworks; design original artworks; and invent ways to produce artworks and to explore photographic imagery, using a variety of art media and materials. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.2) (A)(B) TEKS §117.17. Fine Arts (5.2) (A)(B)
The students will identify simple main ideas expressed in art and the role of art in American society. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.3)(A)
The students will make informed judgments about personal artworks and the artworks of others. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.4)(A) TEKS §117.17. Fine Arts (5.4)(A)(B)
Once the gourd-bowls have been completed, have the students set out their work and allow time for the class to view each other’s work. The teacher will select one bowl and ask the students to identify the elements of art used in the painting, and then select a second bowl and ask the students to identify the principles of design. The teacher will ask the students if they like their own bowls and to explain why or why not. The teacher will ask the students why they chose the colors they used, what the hardest part of the project was, and what the students plan to do with their bowls.
This project can be expanded into a yearly project by having the students plant the gourd seeds in spring. If the school allows, have the students plant the gourds on school property. In the following fall, the students can return to harvest the gourds.
The teacher may have the students do large pencil drawings of the different types of gourds. Students should select one gourd drawing and use colored pencils to decorate the drawing with a repeating pattern. The students may cut out the gourds and decorate the other side. The teacher can laminate the gourds and hang them from the ceiling.Additional/Supplemental Material:
Gourds have been utilized as tools, dishware, instruments, baskets and other practical items for centuries throughout the world. Gourds grow on vines, and come in many different sizes and shapes. As they grow, gourds resemble large green squash. In the fall, as the plant dies, the gourds dry out on the vine and can be harvested. Dried gourds resemble wood and allow for the surface to be carved, drilled, sawed, burned, painted, and decorated. Today gourds are still used for making practical, everyday tools. Additionally, modern artists from many cultures across the globe use gourds in their artwork.
Lesson Materials:
Gourd Painting InstructionsFlower Pattern Sun Pattern Examples of student work
Vea esta lección en Español aquí
Links to Related TIDES Art Activities:
TIDES Color WheelPaper Flower Chain Activity Poinsettia Pinwheel
