Exploring Different Art Styles through Brush Ninja Animations Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Students will explore different art styles through Brush Ninja animations and create their own animations using the software.
Materials
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Brush Ninja website
- Art supplies (optional)
Procedure
- Introduce the concept of animation to students, explaining that it is a series of images that appear to move when played in sequence. Show some examples of different types of animation (e.g. hand-drawn, stop-motion, digital) and ask students which ones they are familiar with.
- Explain that today we will be using a digital animation tool called Brush Ninja to explore different art styles.
- Demonstrate how to use Brush Ninja by creating a simple animation together as a class. Use basic shapes and colors to show how movements can be created by changing the position of objects over time.
- Discuss different art styles such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. Show examples of famous artworks from each style and explain what makes them unique.
- Ask students to choose one art style they would like to explore further through an animation project using Brush Ninja.
- Provide time for students to work on their projects individually or in pairs/small groups under your supervision.
- Encourage creativity and experimentation with different techniques such as layering, blending, and using different brush sizes.
- Once completed, have each student or group share their animations with the class.
Assessment
Assess student understanding through observation during the lesson and by reviewing completed projects based on the following criteria:
- Understanding of chosen art style demonstrated in animation
- Creativity/originality
- Technical proficiency with Brush Ninja
Extension
For students who finish early or wish to pursue more advanced projects:
- Create an animated story incorporating characters and plot elements inspired by chosen art style
- Experiment with different backgrounds/sound effects to enhance the animation
- Research and incorporate historical context about chosen art style into an animation project.
β Exploring Color Theory through Brush Ninja AnimationsExploring Poetry: Using Brush Ninja to Create Visual Poems β
How to animate with Brush Ninja
This video teaches the basics of using Brush Ninja
More Arts Lessons
Examples of Brush Ninja in Education
Third graders at @ArthurAsheJrES are demonstrating their understanding of the water cycle with digital animations using Brush Ninja! π¨ποΈ
Tweeted by Jessica SopOn Friday, students created an animated gif depicting an element of feudalism of their choice. They loved using @BinaryMoonβs awesome https://Brush.Ninja application.
Tweeted by Sara McConnelStudents in Grade 3 are creating animations using #BrushNinja to create weather animations to go along with their science unit of meteorology!
Tweeted by PS101QLOVING these Traditional Literature http://Brush.Ninja animations created by 4th graders in the @nisdbeard Library!! From Cinderella to Leagend of the Indian Paintbrush! Great work
Tweeted by Elizabeth RoblesThe sun has come out and animation lessons are in full swing! There are so many great software options available for children, but Brush Ninja is one of my personal favourites! @MisterRigbyDL
Tweeted by Heather HaynesI had a total fail on my first post of these gifs! I realized they didnβt post correctly the first time so I am giving it another try! These #BrushNinja Mendel projects are just too good to miss!
Tweeted by Christy Scofield