Elementary

What is a parody? How do artists use parodies in their work?

Students will create an imaginative drawing of a snowperson incorporated into a famous work of art.

sketchbooks, color media, pencils, reference photos of famous works of art

1. Students look at a variety of artworks that parody other famous works of art. Based on their observations, ask, “What is a parody? Why do artists create parodies in their work?”
2. Introduce students to the task of creating their own parody artworks inspired by famous works of art. Students research and choose an artwork that interests them. Then they create thumbnail sketches based on that artwork and the placement of their snowperson within the artwork in a humorous context.
3. Students receive feedback from their peers before transferring their design onto their final paper.
4. Students use pencil to illustrate their final design in the manner they see fit. Students draw their chosen artwork as realistically as it appears in their reference photos. Students should be given more creative freedom with the placement and actions of their snowperson.
5. After completion of their drawing, students select their choice of media. Encourage students to use mixed media with an emphasis on color, composition, design, and background consideration.

Students write an artist statement that reflects on their process and explains their parody.

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