Contour Line Hands with zentangle negative space

To begin the semester, my Art 1 students learn about line and using the right side of our brain. We do several blind contour drawings of our hands, exercising the right side of the brain. As a project, the students draw contour line hands, then fill the negative space with zentangles. I just learned about zentangles, and I love them! The students learn to create interesting negative space while using different types of line. Here are a few examples of students' work.

Trompe L'oiel or trick of the eye

My drawing 1 class always start with a personal still life project. Each student has to create a composition using personal items about them. It helps me to get to know the students are people and as artists. The students need to focus on creating and interesting composition by using varying sizes of objects, creating good flow through out the composition, and using good contrast in darks and lights.

Time For Sharing!

I have been an art teacher for 9 years now. I am always using and getting ideas from others blogs. I thought I could repay the favor and start posting some of the fun and unique lessons I do within my High School classroom. 
Waynedale High School is a rural school with around 400 kids in grades 9-12. I teach ceramics 1 and 2, painting 1 and 2, drawing 1 and 2, printmaking, art 1, sculpture and sometimes a special topic class. If you ever have questions on a lesson, please ask!