Papier-mâché Fantasy Planet Sculptures

This is a papier-mache project I designed when I was a student teacher about 26 years ago!  Back then, papier-mache projects didn't faze me, lol. Now, they take so long to finish, plus you need a lot of storage space to store them all.

I have to admit, I've only taught it once since then. The problem I've found with this lesson is, if you only see your students once a week, like I do, the balloons deflate before students get a chance to put at least 4 layers of papier-mache on. I suppose now I could use plaster strips, but I'm not sure how heavy it might make these.

Anyway, you need balloons, acrylic paint, hot glue guns, paper towels, newsprint or newspaper, paste (I've always used the now discontinued Elmer's Art Paste which is essentially wallpaper paste). 

Day one: blow up the balloons to the desired size for your fantasy planet (I had to tie the knots for most of these!!). Add at least 3-4 layers of paper-mache. Set them on a plastic container to dry. I rotate them throughout the day so they dry fully and evenly.

The next class students can start adding any accessories. This is where the kids can be really creative. You can use cardstock, cereal boxes/thin cardboard to cut out shapes and hot glue them onto the planet. You can use paper towel dipped in paste to create shapes and texture. 

Once everything is dry and ready, paint using acrylics. 

For a final touch, varnish them to protect the paint.

Finally, I used a long needle to poke a hole with thread so they can be hung

Some  completed works by Grade 7-9 students:

 

Elements of Art Mixed Media art project

Here's a great first project for the beginning of the year that I do with my mixed high school class. I call it the elements of art design. Essentially, students divide their paper into 7 sections- one for each art element. Then, using media and theme of their choice, they try to visually represent each element, trying to keep the whole artwork cohesive. It's very challenging!

The elements of art are the fundamental components that artists use to create visual art. These elements, often referred to as the building blocks of art, include line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture. Understanding and utilizing these elements allows artists to express their ideas and create visually engaging works. 

I love how this project allows for alot of creativity and personal choice. 

I always get so many varied designs by my kids!

 

Cubist Style Watercolour Paintings

This is a beautiful Analytical Cubist inspired watercolour project that my high school class completed last year.

I posted all the steps previously HERE and HERE.

They had to pick a theme and then draw a few objects related to that theme on watercolour paper. Then they fracture the whole picture using a ruler. Within each section, they paint a gradation using watercolours. 

Grade 10 -12 finished artworks!