Introduction:
The cave paintings of Lascaux, France are some of the oldest paintings. The prehistoric paintings were created by hunters on cave walls around 15,000 to 13,000 B.C. The shapes of bison, cattle, boars, and other animals were outlined on the walls with charcoal. Paints were then brushed or blown onto the animal shapes. Lastly, the artists signed the wall with a hand print.

Objective:
To experiment with charcoal and pastel to replicate the cave paintings of Lascaux. To develop an awareness of one of the oldest finds in art history. To understand the importance of art in reflecting everyday life. To study symbolic art.

Materials:

Before Getting Started:
Look at pictures of the caves of Lascaux. What animals are depicted on the walls of the cave? Why? Think about the animals that live in Colorado. Animals of Colorado could include: mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, squirrels, rattlesnakes, eagles, raccoons, foxes, bison, coyotes, beavers, etc. What is your favorite animal? Which animals will you draw on your cave wall? Why?

Directions:

1. Crumple the brown, Kraft paper so it resembles a rocky, cave wall surface.


2. Draw outlines of animals with charcoal on the Kraft paper.


3. Color and fill in the animal shapes.


4. Use charcoal to add additional shading and darkness.


5. Draw around your hand to sign the cave drawing.


6. Spray fixative on the drawing so it will not smear.

Resources:
Laydon, Amy; Laydon, Marty; Michaels, D; Pacheco, Judy; Stiles, Allison; and Stiles, Warren: The Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Rocky Mountain News in Education Foundation. Journey Through the Arts: A Creative Itinerary. Cherry Creek Arts Festival: Denver, 1997.

Wilson, Edith. We Imagine We Draw Animals. Barron's Educational Series, Inc.: New York, 1997.

Claridge, Marit. How to Draw Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life. Usborne Publishing, Ltd: London, 1990.

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