Richard Ahnert: Mixed Media Animal/Human Portraits

Grade level: 4-8

Art form: mixed media Drawing, painting and collage

Lesson length time: Half day

Lesson Objective

Ever notice how certain animals have personalities? Why is it that a fox is considered sly, a crow is associated with death or a bunny with cuteness? What kinds of humans suit animal personalities? After looking at and discussing the anthropomorphic paintings of Toronto artist Richard Ahnert, students will create through drawing, painting and collaging, an animal/human character of their own.

anhert_9.jpg
anhert_2.jpg
anhert_1.jpg
anhert_10.jpg
anhert_6.jpg
anhert_7.jpg
anhert_5.jpg
anhert_8.jpg

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • learn vocabulary of art techniques and practices (collage, drawing, proportion, crossed creatures)

  • explore elements of design (shape and form, space, line, colour, texture and value)

  • explore principles of design (balance, emphasis, harmony, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, variety)

  • learn about a local artist and their art

  • have an opportunity to explore with materials and concepts

  • be encouraged to create art in a comfortable and supportive environment

  • apply critical thinking skills in their analysis of art work and creation of their own art work

 

Curriculum Connections

Visual Arts, Social Sciences and History, Science and Technology

All Programmes

Benny Bing: Colour Expressive Portrait Painting (3-8)

Graven Feather Studios: Relief/Block Printmaking (K-5)

Charles Pachter:  “Me” Pattern Paintings (K-3)

Group of Seven: Landscape Painting (3-8)

Katrina Schaman Whimsical Animals in Whimsical Landscapes: Mixed Media Collage (K-8)

Richard Ahnert: Mixed Media Animal/Human Portraits (4-8)

Arthur Shilling: Expressionist Portrait Painting (3-8)

Liz Pead: Fabric Collage Painting (1-8)

Shawn Skeir African Mask Portraits: Mixed Media Collage (K-8)

Painters Eleven: Abstract Expressionism
“Painting out my Feelings” (K-4)

Tonya Hart: Arctic Animals (K-6)

Chris Walsh: 3D “Map Sculptures” (1-5)

Meera Sethi: Hybrid Identity Fashion Design (2-8)

Joyce Wieland: Quilting (1-6)

Urban Street Artists: Graffiti Tags (5-8)

Daphne Mcormack: Water Habitats (K-5)