EXPLORING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

EXPLORING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Words you will learn:

appreciation art forms artworks latura! environment nature observation

surroundings________________

You will need:

notebook, sketch pad, pencil, paint, brushes, glue and section of the natural environment

After reading this chapter and practicing its activities, you will be able to:

• appreciate the value of the natural resources for art production.
• understand how the production and presentation of artworks can affect the environment.
• apply environmentally responsible practices.

Introduction

In this chapter, you are going to explore the world around you. You wi also appreciate the usefulness of the natural environment to th people. Do you know why you are surrounded by different things <_ nature? What is the importance of plants, birds or animals to you? Wh do you think people living in different geographical areas creat artworks and express themselves differently⁷

The way you make aesthetic/artistic choices is reflected in artwork which are influenced by family, culture, and community. Imagine yoi were in a place with no plants, water, birds or animals. You migh overhear some say this place is not good to live in. That might evei suggest that you have no materials to use in the making of things yot need in daily life.

Observing and appreciating nature

In this section you will learn about the importance of the natura environment to art production. Artists use visual images-things we car see and sometimes touch to communicate ideas. You will learn to dc this after acquiring the skill of observing. There are various artistic idea’ that can be developed as you observe the different objects from your surroundings.

You will pick interest in observing things of different appearances from the surroundings. Do activity 3.1 to start on the journey of your exploration and observing your environment.

Activity 3.1:

Getting familiar with your natural environment

In groups, do the following:

Take a journey to the nearby environment outside your classroom.

Look at your immediate natural surroundings and identify objects found there.

. Discuss the main features of the natural environment in your surroundings.

Brainstorm on how the objects from the natural environment could be used in the process of art making.

In your note book, make use of the discussions you have had and write about the different ways how the natural environment:

• Influences art making.
• Influences people’s way of living.

uringyour tour around your surrounding environment, you have seen ejects of different appearance in shapes, sizes, £otour and texture, udying art will give you the power to challenge your thinking and see ings with an artistic eye. Your interest to know why things look like the ay they are is what is called artistic curiosity. On your journey rough the world of art, you wilt learn how to “see” art. You will also arn how to perceive artistically with practice.

nt:

^predating art takes more than just looking at an object. It takes oking-and knowing how to look-to find meaning. This is called >servation.

ur natural environment can serve as a source of raw materials. It can so influence your creative minds to make art works. Our eyes help us ot in observing and describing the different objects from nature. By

„ anoreciation of your natura doing so, you will be showing _sustaf_n your life, environment and how you

have observed that the natural After doing Activity 3.1 you may jave^ ^ _{need to make} |_ife

environment provides us                                               natural materials

enjoyable. Veriorrs works ear, e_{obser#e the} ,o serve differenr purposes m «««                                                             ;                                   _w|thou[

objects in Figure 3.1 and do Activity 3.2. bince we th^ environment it is our personal responsibility to respons.bly use,

maintain and improve on it.

Activity 3.2;

Use of materials from the environment

In pairs or small groups;

1. Us, down the different _{materials that were used to cre} artworks in the pictures in the Figure 1
2. Describe how such materiaic

⁴ ^ cirrj

Materials for Drawing and Painting

From your tour around the school, you were able to identify mater,als that could be used for drawing. For example, some of these are shown in Figure 3.2. Some of these could be used in drawing or painting. These include charcoal as well as plants with leaves and flowers in different colours.-Such materials need to be worked on in order to prepare them lor drawing and painting. This can be through reshaping, manipulating, crashing them into powder, or extracting liquids from them.

Besides natural materials, also manmade materials and tools for drawing need to be prepared. Some of these are shown in Figure 3,3. For example; pencils and crayons should be well sharpened in order to be used effectively. Powder colours should be soaked and mixed in water much earlier before they are used. In order to prepare your drawing and painting materials and tools, do Activity 3.3.

Activity 3.3:

preparation of materials and tools for drawing

In small groups,

1. (a) Prepare sticks of charcoal and keep them in a safe place to be used later on in drawing.
2. (b) Collect leaves and flowers in different colours and crash them to produce colours for painting. These should be kept safe in tins with covers.
3. Collect sticks, sisal/raffia, fibres/feathers, and make brushes (in different sizes) suitable for painting.
4. Sharpen your pencils/crayons ready for drawing.

Drawing and Painting Objects from the Natural Environment

From Activity 3.3, you observe that the natural environment offers a lot of resources for artistic ideas.

Activity 3.4:

Drawing and painting from what I see

Pick two objects from your natural environment and do the following:

1. In your art book/sketch pad draw the two objects and show their details regarding shape and texture.
2. Sketch the two objects on another surface and paint them to depict their natural appearance.

Materials from the natural environment can be either used directly from their source or worked upon to change their colours and strength in order to serve the purpose. Now use the drawing and painting materials and tools you have made and do Activity 3.4.

Integration activity

Based on your observation of objects from your natural environment, using your favourite materials and tools, make a drawing or painting that reflects the value of your surroundings to society.

Chapter summary

In this chapter you have learned to:

1. Observe and appreciate the Natural environment.
2. Recognise the value of the natural environment to art making.
3. Make material and tools for drawing and painting from the natural environment.
4. Use materials from the environment responsibly.

Tips:

• Be careful when you tour the natural environment. Some objects have natural protection of thorns, and or are poisonous and you should not touch them.

r Be cautious of the environment. Use it sparingly to avoid destruction of plants.