CalligraphyProject: Illuminated LetterGrade 87-10 days

State Benchmarks: Use art materials and tools to effectively communicate ideas. Participate in the creative process and presentation of a final personal product for exhibit.

(Describe the characteristics of a variety of visual art careers.

Describe the function and explore the meaning of specific art objects within varied cultures, times, and places.

Additional Objectives: Students will be able to break down a complex task into simple steps Students will know possible careers in calligraphy

Task Analysis: Students will complete an illuminated letter either of their initial or as part of an

“illuminated phrase”

Process:

The class will begin by viewing and discussing a Powerpoint presentation on the history of Illuminated letters. They will learn about the monks who created the letters, what letters were used for and about the status of books and the ability to read. Once the class has discussed the overview of Illuniminated letters and has viewed examples of Medieval and contemporary Illuminated calligraphy, the teacher will demonstrate the process.

During the demonstration the teacher will highlight the process of breaking down difficult tasks into easy steps. This process will be reinforced throughout the demonstration and the entire project. The teacher will define the Acronym BID (break it down) and discuss its application to all areas of life.

Demonstration

Step 1: Decide what letter will be illuminated (Is it the first letter of a selected phrase or is it an Initial.Step 2: Print the letter (capital, lower case, italic, plain, etc. will all do)Stpe 3: Draw around the letter leaving the ends of the outline “open” to define a wide space in the shape of the letter Erase the “bones” (the original printed letter)Step 4: Add flourishes by extending the lines with quick, spontaneous, loose lines that completes the shape at each opening. This will make the letter more decorative.

**At this point, boxes, circles, diamonds and other shapes can be added behind the letter to fill in the negative spaces.

Step 5: Draw a second outline to add a frame to the letter

Step 6: Fill the letter with patterns or drawings

Designing the letter should take approximately 2-3 class periods. Students will use the light box (graphic designers tool) to transfer their letter and phrase to the final design. This will take one class period. Once transferred, students will use rulers to make any adjustments to the letter for high quality.

Once the letter is drawn and transferred to the final composition, it will be colored with colored pencil. The teacher will demonstrate four acceptable ways to color effectively with colored pencil. Students will be allowed to use any of the techniques to complete their project.

Once the project is completed, the students will use the paper cutter and construction paper to mount their final project and improve the overall presentation.

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Evaluation sheets (rubrics) will be completed by each student based on objectives stated in the lesson. This rubric provides self evaluation as well as teacher evaluation based on rubrics presented at the beginning of the project.

Rubric:A= Letter will have flourishes that are an extension of its outline Letter will be detailed inside with patterns or drawing Letter will be colored neatly with colored pencil using one of the four acceptable

techniques Project will be neatly and evenly mounted Evaluation sheet is completed with correct short answer and Paragraph on reverse

sideB= Letter will be detailed inside with patterns or drawing or letter will have flourishes

that are an extension of its outline Letter will be colored neatly with colored pencil using one of the four acceptable

techniques Project will be neatly and evenly mounted Evaluation sheet is completed with correct short answer and Paragraph on reverse

sideC= Letter will be detailed inside with patterns or drawing or letter will have flourishes

that are an extension of its outline Coloring is messy and not one of 4 acceptable techniques Project mounting is messy or uneven Evaluation sheet is completed with short answer and short sentences on the back