TITLE: Illustrating Tales and Folklore

ART: Tales and Folklore

TEKS:

6.1 A 6.2 C 6.3 A 7.1 A 7.2 A, C 7.3 A 8.1 A 8.2 A, C 8.3 B

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this project is to explore tales, stories and folklore while practicing creative illustration techniques.

MATERIALS:

• See image below
• Paper
• Pencils
• Tempera paints
• White drawing paper
• Paintbrushes
• Palettes
• Thin gold paint pens
• Ultra fine black sharpie markers
• Rulers

OVERVIEW:

These three panels tell the story of Gajendramosksha. In this Hindu tale, Gajendra, the "Lord of the Elephants", goes to the water in the company of some other elephants. While there, Gajendra is attacked by a naga, which means serpent. It wraps its body around three of Gajendra's legs while biting the fourth. The naga and the elephant struggle for a thousand years among the lotus. Gajendra then recalls a prayer and sends it forth summoning the Lord Ruler of the Universe, Vishnu. Vishnu arrives immediately riding his mount Garuda. As devotees and a winged creature watch from nearby, Vishnu uses his wheel to release Gajendra from the naga's grip. Gajendra offers Vishnu a lotus blossom as an offering of thanks. This story illustrates the Hindu belief that Vishnu will always save a devotee in times of distress.

DISCUSSION:

Discuss local as well as universal tales, stories, and folklore:
Santa Claus
Paul Bunyan
Ugly Duckling
Velveteen Rabbit
Little Red Riding Hood
Etc. (Read books if available)

ASSIGNMENT:

Have each student choose a story or legend. Each student will write a summary of their story in their own words. Students will choose three parts of the story to illustrate- beginning middle, and end. On 3 9X12 sheets of drawing paper, have students draw a 1" border, leaving a white frame around the drawing area. After sketches for the illustrations have been made, paint with bright tempra colors. Let dry completely. Add details with the gold paint pens and sharpie markers.