MODERN ART LESSONS · STUDENT WORKSHEET
Compass Bear: Make a Place for the Story
Make a cartoon setting with a character featuring a bear with a broken compass. The character wants to reach a campsite, but the needle keeps spinning. One possible ending: it looks for a familiar trail sign instead. 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 reach a campsite, but the needle keeps spinning. One possible ending: it looks for a familiar trail sign instead. 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 a bear with a broken compass. Read the story seed: The character wants to reach a campsite, but the needle keeps spinning. One possible ending: it looks for a familiar trail sign instead. Invent a different kind ending if you prefer.
- Start with broad shoulders, round ears, and a small compass. 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. Plan for an unfamiliar reader; compare alternatives and revise pacing, emphasis, or consistency using feedback.
My project: a cartoon setting with a character featuring a bear with a broken compass. 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 the needle keeps spinning?
Before feedback, I wanted the reader to notice… The reader actually noticed…
Revision: I changed… because…
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