Project ARTiculate

Asian Bamboo Painting

Grade 4

Karen Stomberg,

Students discuss the meaning of tradition as applied to Chinese/Japanese painting and calligraphy. They practice brushstrokes using traditional tools, create paintings of bamboo, mount them scroll-style with patterned borders and finish them by stamping with a red signature chop.

Objectives and assessment criteria

Students will:

1. discuss meaning of tradition; consider the role of ancient, unbroken tradition in modern Asian life and art making.
2. explore how Chinese calligraphy influenced painting in Japan and China.
3. observe Asian paintings and discuss the scroll format, asymmetrical balance, the use of space and composition.
4. practice with the tools and processes of bamboo brush painting.
5. create a finished bamboo painting with a red signature chop and a patterned border.