• About the Work of Art

• About the Artist
   

  
  
  

Looking and Discussing
Grade: 4–5
Subject: Visual Art, Language Arts

Looking at Russell’s Wolf

• What colors has the artist used? Describe how these colors compare to colors you would see in the natural world.

• Describe the materials you think Russell used to make Wolf. Are the textures of these materials rough or smooth? Describe the kinds of tools Russell may have used to make these textures. By making the textures in this way, does it make the wolf appear more active or more static? How does the pose of the wolf help create this same effect?

• How does this wolf compare to other images of wolves that you have seen? Find a contemporary image of a wolf in a magazine (an article or an advertisement) and compare it to the sculpture.

Reading and Research/Writing Activities:
Grade: 4–5; 6–8
Subject: Visual Art, Language Arts, Social Studies

Exploring Russell’s Wolf

• Russell had a special appreciation for wolves. To him, the wolf was not only a predator but also a teacher with unique skills. What symbolic meanings do you associate with the wolf? Read about how wolves are thought of in other cultures.

• In Native American cultures, many animals in stories are associated with certain human characteristics. Think of an animal you like or appreciate. Create a story about this animal that gives it a personality like humans. Illustrate the story.

• Read several Native American stories and then try retelling them in your own words. Produce an illustration for your favorite story.

   

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