A Bug’s Journey

In this activity, you will:

• Examine and compare two artworks made in very different time that both feature the same beetle.
• Discuss the characteristics of a beetle.
• Create a drawing inspired by another artist’s work.
• Think of creative ways to display your art.

• Multiple Parts

• Colored pencils
• Paper
• Pencils

Examine Dürer’s Stag Beetle

Look closely at the image at the top of this page. The drawing is called Stag Beetle by Albrecht Dürer and he made in 1505, more than 500 years ago!

• Can you find the three parts of the beetle: head, thorax (middle), and abdomen (back end)? Point to each one.
• What details did the artist use to make the stag beetle look so realistic?
• Does the beetle look like it is moving? Where do you think it is going?

Optional Activity

Read Explore Stag Beetle to learn more about this artwork.

Look at Baldessari’s Specimen (After Dürer)

Next, you’re going to compare a contemporary artwork called Specimen (After Dürer) with Dürer’s drawing of a stag beetle. Specimen (After Dürer) was made in the year 2000, about 500 years after Dürer’s drawing! The artist who made it, John Baldessari, was so inspired by Dürer that he made his own artwork featuring the same stag beetle.

Dürer’s drawing is nearly 5 x 6 inches. (That’s about the size of a small notepad.) Baldessari’s version is more than 11 x 14 feet! (That’s the size of the floor of a small bedroom.)

Examine the photo of Baldessari’s artwork below.

Read Explore Specimen (After Dürer) to find out more how Baldessari’s version is different before answering the questions below.

Questions

After comparing the two artworks, think about and discuss your answers.

• What are some similarities between Baldessari’s and Dürer’s artworks? What are some differences?
• Baldessari made his artwork HUGE! Why do you think he made it so big?
• Do you notice any details in Baldessari’s artwork that you missed in Dürer’s? What are they?
• How do you think Baldessari put his own spin on Dürer’s older artwork?

Make Your Own Bug Art!

Now it’s your turn. You will make your own drawing of a bug.

Go on a nature walk and look for bugs. If you can, bring your drawing materials with you. (Otherwise you will use them when you get back from your walk.) Once you find a bug, watch it carefully. Notice the following details:

• What color(s) is it?
• What shapes do you see in the bug?
• Identify its parts, including head, legs, body, antennae (if it has any), and any other details.

Draw your bug using colored pencils. Use dark colors for shadows and lighter colors for bright spots.

Last step: Give your bug a name and write it below your drawing.

Think About It

How did Dürer’s Stag Beetle inspire your drawing?

Display Your Art!

Baldessari loved showing art in cool, creative ways. How will you display your work? Will you pin it up, tape it, use a clip, or something else? Once you decide, go ahead and hang it up!

Reflect on Your Drawing

Is there anything you would change about your artwork after seeing it on display?

Current, of the present time.