Giacometti Inspired Figure

After you've got your figure, create the base. Use foam core or cardboard, then stabilize the wire figure with newspaper.

Tape the newspaper down when it holds the wire figure upright.

Cover the base and wire figure with aluminum foil to give it an "easier to work with" surface. 

The foil gives the surface "tooth" for the next step.

When the figure is completely covered you may begin the paper mache process. Use torn newspaper and a half water half glue mixture and apply. I prefer using a flour/water mixture. Trial and error.

I found out that using old gift wrapping tissue worked the best. It's light and much more flexible than newspaper around the small wire areas.

After it's dry, paint. I used a brown spray paint, then I spritzed it with gold and topped it off by rubbing it with black acrylic. It looks like bronze, despite my horrible lighting. You'll just have to take my word.

Giacometti is known for his elongated figures with distorted body proportions. He wanted to express his view of reality - that each person is isolated within his/her own existence. 

Student Work

My clever kids created Y-M-C-A

 

Leaf Bowl, Plus

What's not to love about this? Simple, yet one of my favorite projects. The leaf bowl.
Teacher Samples

Sample for Personal Totem Spoon. Students will come up with at least 3 symbols that represent them to decorate the spoon.

Example: Symbols; The paintbrush is artwork, the pencil is for education, the baby represents motherhood = family.

The rose symbolizes life and love, the ring is for marriage and eternity.

Student work

Student work

Step-by-Step Cubism Cartoon Tribute

Choose a cartoon. This one was pretty obscure, so it worked perfect for an example. "Pepper Ann," no one in class wanted to use a cartoon they hadn't heard of.  Had I done "Sponge Bob"... that would be another story.

After looking at examples of early Cubism by Picasso. (I like the early stages of Cubism where people and things are still identifiable, just fractured.) Students choose a cartoon. Then they come up with defining features of the character they have chosen, at least 5. Then they need to look for a shape that relates to, or can unite the artwork through repetition. Can you tell which shapes I used? Using those identifiable features they need to do some thumbnail sketches, putting them all together.

Draw at LEAST 3 sketch ideas. Sketch #1

Sketch #2

Sketch #3. Then choose which one would work best for the project.

Choose 3 sheets of card-stock in dark, medium and light values. Use your drawing as a pattern to cut out those shapes. Make changes as needed to enhance your design. (sorry, it's upside down)

When you've got it the way you want, it's time to add depth for the 3D effect. Cut squares of cardboard, and glue to the back of chosen parts of your design. Put back together. Photos really don't do it justice.

This is my Cubism Cartoon Tribute to "Pepper Ann." Now it's your turn to pay tribute to a cartoon you loved growing up.

This will help you see how it all comes together.

Narrative Plate-Leather hard stage

This was one of my favorite books as a child and I read it to my boys, so it only seemed right to create a narrative plate using the little baby bird saying, "Where's my MOTHER?!"

Student work for the Narnia Series

Student work for  The Tale of Despero

During the second semester of ceramics, the students applied a quote or saying to go with a theme. I think it became a great addition to the assignment. The students did a fabulous job, I was very proud of them.

Pinch Pot Creature-Slab Creature

The "funnest" project ever! No, not the most fun... the funnest!

Student work.

Slab Creature. Student work to come.

Texture Experiment

"Black and Blue" texture painting.

Paper + Multi Media

This is a "scrap-bookie" art project I had to try called "She Art"

This has a plaster/clay base for texture with acrylic and ink.

Cultural Mask

Teacher sample: Paper Mache Mask

3D Exploration

"Where I Belong" habitat

What's in that little head of your's?

"What's Important to Me" - Found objects

Eye Spy...

This project is done by splattering paint or pouring paint on your working surface. After it's dry you come back with an imaginative eye and a permanent marker and draw what you see within the design that was created. FUN and challenging.

Glorified Doodle "Zentangle"

Who knew that one day doodling would have a name like "Zentangle?" They say it's a new art form. Hmmm?

Copy of Derain in Modeling Clay

This and That

I was asked to do this painting for an intern at the school I'm working at. Her theme is "Fill Buckets with Kindness."

Value study in black and white for watercolor class.

One, Two, Three...

Step One: Leave lightest areas

Step Two: Mid tones

Step Three: Darkest values and details

Charcoal

The top floral has a light underlay of paint with the charcoal drawing on top. The pears are black and white charcoal.

I Love YOU

I was asked to paint this for a church group.