Teacher Packet:
ARTStop Lesson for Relationships Exhibition
Anthropomorphic Self Portrait with a Monochromatic Palette
February 8-May 17, 2014
Upon your arrival at Waterworks Visual Art Center, you and your students will
experience a 45-minute gallery tour of our current exhibition(s) and a 45-minute
hands-on studio experience related to the current exhibition. We would like this
to be an interactive experience for you and your students! Student questions and
comments are encouraged during the gallery portion of your visit.
Studio Visit Objective:
Students will create anthropomorphic self portraits inspired by the animal
portrait paintings of exhibiting Illinois artist, Ken Hoffman, and the
monochromatic color field paintings of exhibiting Asheville artist, Kevin Palme.
Each student will produce an anthropomorphic self portrait using a
monochromatic color palette and a mixed media process. Learners will
incorporate the Elements of Art (color: monochromatic palette, line, shape) and
Principles of Design (pattern) into their individual artworks. In addition, students
will be introduced to the anthropomorphic photographs of Madrid-based
photographer, Miguel Vallinas and have the opportunity to pose for an
anthropomorphic class portrait.
Before Your Visit:
In preparation for your gallery and studio visit, you may wish to review some of
these vocabulary terms and Fun Facts with your students and discuss the
Discussion Questions below. How you do this is up to you…We do find that
students who have been introduced to some of the ideas, vocabulary, and
concepts surrounding the exhibition have a richer experience while they are here.
Vocabulary:
Anthropomorphic- Ascribing human characteristics to non-human things (ex.
Disney characters, many sports team mascots, Thomas the Tank Engine, Sponge
Bob, Arthur, a sun with a smiley face)
Monochromatic- Using only shades of a single color.
Discussion Questions:
1) How do we use anthropomorphic imagery in our culture? Give examples…
A: Possible examples include sports team mascots, Disney/cartoon
characters, children’s books, anime, fables, fairytales, and myths.
2) Why do you think we use so many anthropomorphic images?
3) Many sports teams have an anthropomorphic mascot. (How many can you
name?)
4) If you could be any animal, what animal would you choose and why?
Interdisciplinary Connection:
1) Write and illustrate your own short story, fable, fairytale, or myth featuring
anthropomorphic characters (or create your own re-interpretation of an
existing story, for example, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.)