Sticky Note Monsters

Instructor: Sara J. Compton

Grade Level: High School Art Any Class
Time: 1 90-minute class period

Description: This short assignment can accompany any larger lesson that explores value in a
composition. The class will look at the work of John Kenn Mortensen and Edward Gorey. They will
then draw monsters on Post-It notes in ink, basing the monsters on words from a word bank. Each
Post-It note should be used to the fullest, creating an entire composition. This lesson can be kept as a
substitute lesson, used on days when a large portion of the class is absent, or used as a homework or
sketchbook assignment.

Student Learning Objectives

TSWBAT shade a composition using pen and ink.
TSWBAT interpret and represent specific words in a composition.
TSWBAT create drawings that evoke specific feelings.

Goals
TSW reinforce his/her concept of shading using cross hatch, hatch, stippling, etc.
TSW learn about two contemporary artists that shade using pen and ink.

Standards
VAH1-1.2 Describe ways that different materials, techniques, and processes evoke different responses
in one who is creating or viewing artworks.
VAH1-1.4 Apply materials, techniques, and processes with skill, confidence, and sensitivity sufficient to
make his or her intentions observable in the artwork that he or she creates.
VAH1-3.1 Explore the sources of the subject matter and the ideas in a variety of works of visual art.
VAH1-3.3 Select and effectively use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning
through his or her artworks.
VAH1-5.1 Analyze the intention of the artist in a specific artwork and justify his or her interpretation.

Tools and Materials

Pens, pencils, erasers
Large, unlined post-it notes
Sketchbook or paper for mounting post-it notes

Instruction Plan
1. Look at images of artwork by John Kenn Mortensen and Edward Gorey. Discuss the emotions
that their work evokes.
2. Point out how they shade without blending by using cross hatching, hatching, stippling, and
other methods.
3. Introduce the assignment students will be drawing five sticky note monsters based on specific
words. They should collect their sticky notes on a piece of paper or in their sketchbook and
label each composition with the word it is based on. Each sticky note composition should
include a foreground, middle ground, and background and be well thought out.
Accommodations
All accommodations will be made as needed according to students IEPs.

Visual & Electronic Resources

Laptop and projector to show images of artwork by Mortensen and Gorey
School-provided tablets for students to revisit the projects parameters
Class Weebly site with instructions and rubric available to revisit.

John Kenn Mortensen

Edward Gorey
 Word Bank

Sorrow Anger Famine Despondent

Agony Fury Drought Heavy
Grief Hatred Starvation Bleary
Melancholy Rage Contaminated Murky
Misery Temper Contagion Vague
Mourning Irritation Epidemic Dark
Pain Petulant Death Shadowed
Worry Tantrum Grave Hazy
Depression Sore Loss Dysphoria
Misfortune Bitter Annihilate Doubt
Lament Ire Empty Jealousy
Distress Decay Desolate Envy
Addiction Blight Abandoned Malice
Disease Hidden Hollow Assault
Name ________________________________ Block _____ Date __________ Mrs. Compton, Art 1
Grading Rubric Sticky Note Monsters Due Date: _________

Project Grade: ______/100

1. ___ / 50 pts: The student created 5 sticky note compositions.
2. ___ / 20 pts: Each composition has a foreground, middle ground, and background.
3. ___ / 15 pts: Each composition shows a range of values.
4. ___ / 15 pts: The students submitted work includes labels on the front and the students name written on
the back.

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