Elementary

Artwork by Vicky.

The Essential Question
What is an illustrator?

Objective
Students will create a whimsical landscape drawing inspired by Dr. Seussʼs illustration style.

Materials
sketchbooks, color media, drawing paper, Dr. Seuss books and/or Dr. Seuss–inspired books and images

Procedures
1. Students look at images from various Dr. Seuss books and discuss what makes his whimsical illustrated scenes unique. Discuss with students the role an illustrator plays in the creation of a storybook.
2. Students create small thumbnail sketches of items that interest them from the books. Students are asked to reflect on Seussʼs style and to only use the books as inspiration—no copying or tracing.
3. Students create sketches of compositional layouts of various landscape ideas. Students will consider their arrangement of elements to tell a story or impart a message in their illustration.
4. Students take suggestions from peers as needed before transferring their design onto their final paper.
5. Students first draw their design in pencil, then they use their choice of media. Students are encouraged to use mixed media with an emphasis on bright, bold colors. Students can explore different media in their sketchbooks before using them in their final design.
6. Students have a gallery walk to view peersʼ landscapes and to provide feedback on their designs. Students provide a brief statement to display under their landscape for peers to reflect on.

Assessment
Students reflect on their drawing in writing, explaining their composition and the symbolism embedded in their whimsical landscape. They also reflect on the role of an illustrator and its importance.

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