Objectives: Dakota Hosker works primarily with oil paints, as she believes the colors are deeper and creamier than other forms of paint. This is important because of her emphasis of how colors collide. This interaction of blending colors creates sensations ranging from muted to subdued to brilliant. Her work is also influenced by her Native American heritage and being part of their community. It is through community that one can “find (their) best self,” Dakota says. In this activity, you will be creating portraits through combining colors, while also considering how the colors make you feel, and the impact they have as a viewer of someone’s painting.

Tools/Resources: MN Original video clip, chart paper, finger paints, art paper, more examples of Dakota Hoska’s art, other examples of artists from the Native American community here in Minnesota, color wheel cheater guide.

Activity

1. Watch the segment and discuss:

   a. How do different colors make you feel? Red? Blue? Green? etc. Why?

   b. Dakota Hoska believes that we are never really our true selves until we are in a community with other people – what do you think she means? Why?

2. Color wheel

   a. With chart paper and finger paints, create a color wheel together demonstrating how colors blended together create new colors. Also show how colors if not blended are also interesting.

3. Portraits

   a. Paint a portrait of a friend or family member! First draw out the portrait with pencil, then using finger paints, add color – don’t forget to consider how color affects tone, mood, and experience!