Elementary

Artwork by Joline, grade five.

The Essential Question
How can we create texture in a design using hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling?

Objective
Students will illustrate a subject from nature using a scratchboard and emphasizing value.

Materials
sketchbooks, pencils, scratchboard, nature reference images or objects

Procedures
1. Students view images of scratch art illustrations inspired by nature. Next, they look at various forms of mark-making such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling. Students each receive a small piece of scrap scratchboard to try out different mark-making techniques.
2. Students create small thumbnail sketches of ideas based on the concept of nature. Ask them to consider the arrangement of the objects within their sketches and how they will incorporate mark-making techniques into their designs.
3. Students take suggestions from peers as needed before transferring their design onto their final paper.
4. Students sketch their final design on their scratchboard in the manner they see fit. After completion of their outline design, students incorporate mark-making techniques into their design to add texture and design elements.
5. Students have a gallery walk to view peersʼ work and provide feedback on their designs.

Assessment
Students write an artist statement, reflecting on their piece and their process of creating.

Leigh Drake is an art teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.