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

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

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