Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Picasso with Pizazz

In Learning from Picasso we explored the Cubism Art Movement and learned how to work from a still life.  Some hallmarks of Cubist art include:
  • The fragmenting of three-dimensional forms into flat areas of pattern and color
  • Overlapping and intertwining so that shapes and parts of an image are seen from multiple perspectives. 
  • Balance of color and shapes
To begin this lesson we learned about the life of popular Cubist artist Pablo Picasso and looked at several works like the one below.


Supplies: 12"x18" Watercolor paper, still life objects, watercolor paints, brushes, india ink, newspaper, sheet music, charcoal pencils, graphite pencils, rulers, scissors

Step 1:  We set up a still life that included a keyboard, bells, some fruit, a vase, and a  rhinoceros figurine.  Students drew the still life with pencil on large 12" x 18" watercolor paper.

Step 2: The picture is divided into shapes of different sizes by using a ruler or straight edge to draw lines in various directions.

Step 3:  To add a unique twist to this project and to highlight the different shapes that were formed from drawing these separation lines, we used 5 mediums in coloring our still life.  Demonstrations were given to explain these various techniques:

  •  graphite pencil shading
  •  charcoal pencil shading
  • watercolor application (in warm tones only)
  •  black India Ink application
  •   the use of sheet music and newsprint as a collage 

Students were encouraged to experiements with all of these mediums and applications. We tried to make sure no to ares of the same medium touched! After many weeks of hardwork and the practicing of skills, the results were striking!  These mixed media works were hung together as a large grouping.


              Emily

                Emmalee


             Hannah


                Roman

                Erin

                  Sydney

                  Miss Vanessa

Friday, January 15, 2010

Clay Textured Plaques

In Model Masters we explored Air dry clay, texture, painting, and beading--All in one project!  After sketching our landscape designs we began

Step 1: Students started with a ball of wedged air dry clay and made a slab  by flipping it over and flattening several times.  After the clay was about 1 inch thick, the clay was cut into a specific shape (square, circle, star). 

Step 2:  Clay tools were used to add relief--high and low areas--in the plaque.  Tools were also used to add different textures in the designs. 

Step 3:  Two holes were punched in the top of the plaque to allow it to hang. 

Step 4:  After allowing to dry completely, plaques were painted using vibrant acrylic paints. 

Step 5: Wire and glass beads were threaded through the top holes so the plaque could be displayed.