Throwback to the time I met Tedd Arnold! When I was a public school art teacher, the district elementary librarians organized an “Author Day” where a contemporary author/illustrator would visit the schools. I created a lesson that was used to introduce third grade students to that year’s special visiting artist and author, Tedd Arnold.
In preparation for his visit, students created a diptych inspired by his book “Shoo Fly Guy!” As a class we analyzed Arnold’s artistic style and his use of calligraphic line (scribble that resembles letter forms usually associated with cursive). Students then utilized line, color, and calligraphic line to create a diptych (two pictures, viewed together) of two different view points of food, inspired by Tedd Arnold’s style. 🖋 Students also chose adjectives to describe their food illustrations.
One of the most amazing moments in my public school teaching career happened during the third grade assemble with Mr. Arnold. He was discussing his style while doing a drawing demonstration. He called the lines inside of his drawings, scribbles. A student raised their hand and shared about the art project we made and that they were called calligraphic lines. He was surprised and impressed and asked who had taught them that. EVERY single third grader turned around and pointed at ME! I was so proud that they shared what they learned and were able to tell him in person!
Tedd Arnold and I
Student artwork example
Excerpt from “Shoo Fly Guy!” By Tedd Arnold
