Artreach...creates: Ages 10-18

Showing posts with label Ages 10-18. Show all posts

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

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Figure Study

In Learning from Picasso we learned the basics of drawing figures with correct proportion using wooden manikins. Students used colored pastel paper, white chalk, and black charcoal pencils to complete this project. We learned about blending techniques and how to use kneaded erasers to pull out highlights. Wooden Manikins, like the one below, were placed in various realistic poses to complete this figure study.

Emmalee

Roman

Erin

Sydney

After drawing the Wooden Manikin, some students also used their knowledge of drawing in proportion to add clothing. Here are our results.

Abby

Abby-football player

Jasmine

Jasmine-in dress

Aubree

Lydia

Mary

Ryley

Shelley

Shelley-dressed

Tarah

Tarah-dressed

Mrs. Cheri

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Accordian Books

In Bookmaking and Illustration we have been working hard to create unique and dynamic Accordian Books. Like the instrument, these books expand once opened to display images.

We started with a basic accordian book where we folded a long strip of paper using accordian folds.
Next we used tube water colors to create an abstract wash on watercolor paper. We used this "painted paper" to cover the front and back covers.
Paper was cut 1/2" larger on all sides so that it can be folded over to nicely to cover the edges of the mounting board. Squares were cut from the corner so the paper lies flat. Covers can be created using any heavy weight cardboard--the backs of used notebooks or mat board works well. We used Nori paste to keep wrinkles to a minumum, plus it is repositionable!
Next, ribbon was attached to the books--a long strip (or 2 strips) of ribbon was glued to the back of the accordian folded paper and both covers. This allowed the book to open and expand and for it to be tied closed.
Embellishment with buttons, metallic paint markers, collage items...etc.

In addition to a basic accordian book, we also created pocket accordian books.
The paper is folded the same, except it is made wider so you can fold the bottom up to create a pocket in the pages. The pockets can be used to store photos, business cards, or any other flat image. We embellished these books with embossed metal that was antiqued with india ink. We also strung beads and attached them to the covers. These turned out beautiful!