Tree of Life
Texture, Pattern, Mixed Media & Symbolism
Objectives
I CAN:
- Learn about the symbol of the Tree of Life and how artists have used this symbol
- Use a ruler to prepare a grid for my Tree of Life project
- Use my emerging understanding of TEXTURE to create a Tree of Life artwork
- Use different media, textures and patterns to design a mixed media piece
- Complete my assignment in the allotted time and submit on Schoology
- Reflect on my project in an Artist's Statement
Think About The Symbolic Meaning of a Tree
- What words do you relate with trees?
- How is a tree symbolic?
- Name stories that have trees in them and think about the symbolism.
Who is Gustav Klimt?
History & Examples
Lets look at the history of the symbol of the Tree of Life in different cultures and times in history.
The Tree of Life, Gustav Klimt, 1905
The concept of the tree of life is illustrated by Gustav Klimt's painting, in a bold and original way. The swirling branches create mythical symbolism, suggesting the constant change of life. The branches twist, twirl, turn and spiral creating an expression of life's complexity.
With its branches reaching for the sky, the tree of life roots into the earth beneath.
What Symbolism do you notice?
What could the blackbird symbolize?
Marc Chagall, Tree of Life, 1948
- How do you think these artists view the symbol of the Tree of Life?
- Can you tell anything about their cuture?
Keith Haring, Tree of Life, 1985
Mexican Folk Art
Your Assignment: Texture & The Tree
Now you will create a work of art around the theme of the "Tree of Life". You will be creating your own textured tree using nine different textural styles with at least 4 to five different types of drawing media (pastel, pen/ink, crayon, marker, colored pencils, chalk, pencil, etc).
Pencil
- Shading
- Smudging
- Hatching/Cross Hatching
- Scumbbling
Oil Pastel
- Heavy Blending
- Light Blending
- Sgraffito
- Color Mixing
Colored Pencil
- Layering Color
- Patterning
- Designwork
Conte Crayon
- Neutral Color Mixing
- Chalk Like
- Capable of many different kinds of marks
Marker
- Stippling
- Patterning
- Designwork
- Bold Colors
Wax Crayon
- Many kinds of marks
- Bold Colors
- Designwork
Pattern & Design
Pattern can create texture too. The above tree used all marker and created variety with patterns. Think about how a mosaic pattern can create texture with its designs. Below you will find photos of pattern ideas. You could also look up Zentangle designs that might inspire you.