VA COMP | Imaginary Creatures

Abstract Mixed Media 

Karrie Brewer

Pretty Bear, 2019

Mixed Media on paper

9 x 12 inches

NCHS (Teacher Example)

The following information contains vocabulary terms for the Imaginary Creatures project, along with directions and criteria. 

ABSTRACT ART - Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures. 

COLOR THEORY – Color mixing and the visual effects of specific color combinations.  

• PRIMARY COLOR – red, blue, yellow 
• SECONDARY COLOR – orange, green, purple 
• WARM COLORS – red, orange, yellow 

• COOL COLORS – blue, green, purple 

EMPHASIS - an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.  

FOUND POETRY – Poetry cut from one source, use only words and phrases from a random page of text.  

IMAGINARY CREATURES & FOUND POETRY CRITERIA CHECKLIST: 

___ 1. Starting with your drawing paper, use a marker or a pencil to draw an ABSTRACT scribble. Rotate the paper 90° and another abstract scribble. Turn the paper again and draw a third abstract scribble. (Your scribble can be random or calculated).  

___ 2. Choose either warm or cool colors to start filling in each abstract shape. Fill at least ¾ of the spaces. 

___ 3. Soften and blend the colored spaces with gesso. Carefully paint the space with a THIN layer. Allow this layer to dry. 

___ 4. Observe and study each orientation of your ABSTRACT ART. Look for possible IMAGINARY CREATURES. Highlight the shapes of the creatures with a marker. 

___ 5. Use the opposite COLOR tones (warm or cool) from your choice in #2. Fill in the space with these color tones outside your highlighted imaginary creatures to show EMPHASIS. 

___ 6. Soften and blend the colored spaces with gesso. Carefully paint the space outside your creatures with a THIN layer. Allow this layer to dry. 

___ 7. Once your Abstract Art is dry, add detail to your imaginary creature. Create EMPHASIS in your creature. You can use colored pencil, marker, colored pen (NOT SHARPIE) or crayons to add character details to your creature.  

___ 8. Browse through a newspaper, book or magazine. Find a page to choose your words and phrases for a FOUND POEM. Words and phrases should be cut out and pasted/ glued on your ABSTRACT ART in a creative way. The poem should pertain to your creature. Create a story or a tagline that complements your creature composition.  

___ 9. ART ELEMENTS (LINE, SHAPE, COLOR, TEXTURE) PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN (EMPHASIS) 

___ 10. YOUR IMAGINARY CREATURES & FOUND POETRY MUST SHOW ARTISTRY, CRAFTSMANSHIP, NEATNESS. YOU FINISHED ARTWORK SHOULD BE CLEAN AND BE PRESENTABLE TO DISPLAY.