Lesson 3: Art Journal- Designing Covers

How can you make your journal reflect who you are? How will your color choices change the mood of your book?

Acrylic Paint, Paint Brush, Background, Design, Opaque, Embellish

VA:Cr1.2.HS1: Shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice (Expressive Art).

VA:Cr2.1.HS2: Through experimentation and practice, demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge in a chosen art form.

Language Arts: Symbolism—understanding how an image can represent an abstract idea (e.g., a bird representing freedom).

Purpose: To practice visual storytelling and "Identity Art," transforming a mass-produced object into a unique personal artifact.

DOK Level: Level 3 (Strategic Thinking) – Students must make choices about color harmony and composition to convey a specific mood or theme.

Graffiti & Street Art: The concept of "Tagging" or reclaiming public space (reclaiming the book cover).

Students may think they have to "draw a picture" on the cover (reframe it as: "We are creating a feeling with color and texture").

Thinking they can't paint over the original book title (explain that Gesso is a "magic eraser").

Physical: Use foam rollers or large-handled "puffy" brushes for students with limited grip strength.

Visual: Provide high-contrast stencils (thick black plastic) so students can clearly see the shapes they are creating.

Cognitive: Provide a "Mood Word Bank" (cards with words like Strong, Calm, Bold, Happy) to help students choose a direction for their design.

Sensory: Mix sand or modeling paste into the paint for students who need tactile feedback while painting.

• Visual Analysis: The student can point to two different colors or textures on their cover and explain (or gesture) why they chose them.

• Completion: The student has successfully covered the original book's graphics and created a new, original design.

• Identification: When asked, the student can identify the "Focal Point" (the most important part) of their cover.

Materials: Gutted book covers, White/Black Gesso, Acrylic paints, Stencils, Mod Podge (or glue), Sponges, Scrap paper.