Prancing Prints

Prancing Prints lesson plan

Study horses' anatomy and movements, exploring the work of Susan Rothenberg, then create a print of a horse in motion.

  • 1.

    Study photos of horses and Susan Rothenberg's work. Observe horses trotting and in other gaits to see how their legs move and their bodies are positioned.

  • 2.

    On white paper, use Crayola® Colored Pencils to sketch a moving horse and its surroundings.

  • 3.

    With Crayola Scissors, trim the edges from a recycled foam produce tray so you have a flat printing plate. Draw your horse picture on the tray, pressing hard with a ball-point pen. Scribe the drawing deeply into the foam.

  • 4.

    Cover a work area with recycled newspaper. Open a recycled file folder to use as a palette.

  • 5.

    To create a "rainbow roll" pour a thin ribbon of Crayola Washable Paint onto the file folder. Pour several colors next to each other. Using a brayer, roll out the paint on the folder, moving in the same direction as you poured it, so the paint doesn't ble

  • 6.

    Apply the paint to the printing plate with your brayer.

  • 7.

    Press the wet side of the printing plate onto a clean sheet of white paper. Rub gently to make sure the paint is transferred evenly to the paper. Your horse drawing will show as white lines in a field of color.

Benefits

  • Children research horse anatomy, coloration, and movements.
  • Students explore techniques for drawing horses by studying the work of Susan Rothenberg.
  • Students create a print of a horse in motion.

Adaptations

  • Do a single-color print of the same image, using only one paint color. If you prefer to see your drawing done in a dark line, print with a light color of paint on a dark piece of construction paper.
  • Use this technique to produce multiple prints that you can use as cards, invitations, or book reports. Fold the paper in half before you print, then trim.
  • Try this technique with different subjects, such as portraits or landscapes. If you include words, remember the print you get will be the opposite of the image you draw on the printing plate.
  • Younger children and special needs students may benefit from short practice sessions making plates, using the brayer to spread paint uniformly, and printing on construction paper. Provide plenty of paper and support.