MODERN ART LESSONS · STUDENT WORKSHEET
Map Owl: Make a Place for the Story
Make a cartoon setting with a character featuring an owl with an upside-down map. The character wants to find a treehouse, but follows the map in the wrong direction. One possible ending: it turns the map around and recognizes the tree. Invent a different kind ending if you prefer.
Character reference shared across ten skill lessons—not a picture of the completed assignment. Study the example for possibilities, then close or cover it. Your work should make different choices.
Story starter and example
The character wants to find a treehouse, but follows the map in the wrong direction. One possible ending: it turns the map around and recognizes the tree. Invent a different kind ending if you prefer. The character is largest near the important object. Three simple environmental clues locate the action without filling every space.
What to do
- Your finished project is a cartoon setting with a character featuring an owl with an upside-down map. Read the story seed: The character wants to find a treehouse, but follows the map in the wrong direction. One possible ending: it turns the map around and recognizes the tree. Invent a different kind ending if you prefer.
- Start with large eye circles, short wings, and folded map. These are helpful shapes, not a tracing template.
- Choose an ordinary place where this problem could happen. Draw two small arrangements.
- Place the main character and prop first. Add only three background clues that explain the location or problem.
- Use overlap and a clear ground line; keep background marks quieter than the character’s outline.
- Ask a partner where the scene happens and what they notice first. Remove or move one distracting detail. Compare two arrangements and revise one unclear visual clue after peer feedback.
My project: a cartoon setting with a character featuring an owl with an upside-down map. My chosen ending is…
Two small setting plans…
Three useful place clues are…
The viewer should look first at… One distracting detail to change…
Story clue: How will I show that the character follows the map in the wrong direction?
Before feedback, I wanted the reader to notice… The reader actually noticed…
Revision: I changed… because…
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