Unit: Amate Bark Oil Pastels

Students Will Be Able To: create their own interpretation of an Amate Bark painting utilizing
oil pastels and recycled paper; students will evaluate and apply similar subjects and
compositional techniques that traditional Mexican artists would have used on Amate Bark paper.
Art History:
Amate Bark was originally only used for ceremonial purposes in Mayan and Aztec cultures
Artists would moisten and grind bark pulp in a specific process to create paper that would
later be blessed
Artists would design themes encompassing nature
Animals, flowers, plants, and mythical creatures were all created in a very stylistic way
Surrounding the subject matter, artists would use patterns and vibrant colors to fill
negative space
Amate Bark Paintings were then sold and traded to neighboring towns to create income for
local people
Art Production/ Goal:
Create an individual design encompassing an animals, plants, and patterns
Practice drawing in an Amate Bark Painting style, incorporating similar approaches to
drawing feathers, horns, flowers, and patterns
Utilize the entire space when creating the composition
Apply layers of oil pastels to achieve a blended and vibrant work of art
Display the finished work for the schools Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Skills Learned/Activities:
Demonstration of drawing animals, plants, flowers, and creatures in an Amate style
Discussion and accountable talk on the history and cultures where the Amate bark paper
was prevalent
Utilize the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to ensure that drawings are
incorporating the natural and composition filled vibes of the Amate Bark paintings
Small group discussions to introduce critique and review the strengths of how students
used the Elements of Art and Principles of Design
NJCCCS of Visual Art 2014:
1.1.5.D.1 Identify elements of art and principles of design that are evident in everyday life.
1.3.5.D.1 Work individually and collaboratively to create 2-D and 3-D works of art that make
cohesive visual statements and that employ the elements of art and principles of design.
Assessment:
Pre-assessment class discussion
Student-Teacher constructive critiques throughout production time
Post-assessment Art class rubric
Modification/Accommodations:

Extra time for writing prompts

Repeat directions constantly
Hands on demonstrations for all learners
Redirect/keep students focused on project
Allow for choice, selection, and personalization

Provide translations of writing activities/information for ESL beginners

Provide dark line demonstrations for visually impaired students