(G2, G3) The colorful world of Friedensreich Hunderwasser

For this project, we studied the work of the Viennese artist-architect Friedensreich Hunderwasser. We devoted an entire class period to looking and examining his work. We learned that his common theme in his work was bright colors, organic forms, spirals, domes, and his rejection of straight lines. We looked at pictures of his paintings and his fantasy homes. The students were amazed on the decorative quality of his line and the boldness of his colors. We discussed how he worked outside the traditional rules of modern architecture. He believed that man and nature should be one and so he created buildings that they were aesthetically pleasing, rejecting the tyranny of the straight line. The students loved his colors and patterns and they definitely understood his love of organic lines. In our second session, we decided to create a Hunderwasser-inspired work. In doing this, the students were free to incorporate their favorite motif from his work.  They created a work based either on his paintings or his architecture. We used three class periods to complete this project. Next year, I will design an entire unit based on the work of Friedensreich Hunderwasser.

Hunderwasser

Student comment: "I wish I lived in a house like this one. My house is boring." 

This student worked on the dome motif and created a colorful composition based on
Hunderwasser's love of curvy and organic lines.

Hunderwasser

Using black sharpies to create the organic lines. 

Student comment: "I don't want to use straight lines ever again."

This student is working on his anthropomorphic design. 

Student comment: "This is my fantasy house."

Hunderwasser

This students loved the lollipop trees of Hunderwasser.

The student used a CD to draw the circles and black sharpies to create the spiral design.

Student comment: "These are the prettiest trees ever."

Hunderwasser

Student comment: " The blue house is mine; the pink is my brother's and the orange is where my parents live."

(G2,G3) Butterflies, a Mixed-Media Project (Part I)

I am always looking for themes where students will get the opportunity to practice their drawing skills.

Learning how to draw butterflies offers such an opportunity. We looked at pictures of butterflies in the book ''Waiting for Wings'' by Lois Ehlert. We discussed the variety of patterns, colors, and lines found in the butterflies. We decided to do a number of studies before attempting to draw the final version in our water color paper. I explained to the students that this will be a mixed-media project where they will be able to incorporate a variety of materials. My students love mixed-media projects and with great excitement started working on their drawings.

This student was happy with this butterfly study.

This was his first and final version; he added more details on his water color paper.

Using a black sharpie to complete the design.

I explained to the students that as important as it was to

examine the details in the butterflies in Lois Ehlert's book, it was even more important to incorporate

their own ideas into the design. 

It was very interesting to watch how the students hesitated at first to create their drawing.

They were slowly developing confidence as they saw the lines and patterns emerging in front of their eyes. 

These are some of my sample drawings.

Our motto is: ''We look, we examine, and then we create our own.''

This student decided to draw a profile view of a butterfly.

She did a number of studies where one could see the changes of the lines and patterns.

It was interesting to watch the students create their own unique patterns.

Difficulty drawing the lower part of the butterfly.

A lot of erasing went on before the student was happy with the results.

This student had great difficulty drawing the body of the butterfly. 

First, the scale of the drawing was small, then she was not happy about the shape.

Student comment: ''It looks like a rocket. It is impossible to draw the body.''

After a little encouragement the next version made the student really happy.

Struggling with the lower part of the butterfly, working on multiple sheets of paper...

and voila!

I was really impressed by the complexity of her line design on the butterfly's body. 

This student learned that there is not such thing as it ''is impossible'' in art.

A big smile and eyes sparkling with confidence was a great reward for me.

(G1,G2) A Lesson in Comparing and Contrasting

For this project, the students had the option to create compositions using paper, paper cleaners, and training weaving sheets. The class was separated into three groups, each working on the material of their choice.
After the completion  of the projects, we used an entire session to discuss our choices.

The discussion session provided the students with the opportunity to defend their choices, as well as to demonstrate ability to compare and contrast their work with the work of their classmates.
We discussed our color choice and combinations, sculptural quality, balance and symmetry, and degree of difficulty.

                                   This student was interested in creating a symmetrical composition.

The choice of his shape was the rectangle.

Using pipe cleaners to create an intricate design.

This student was interested in contrasting colors.

She used squares and triangles to create a collage. 

Using pipe cleaners to create a sculptural artwork.

Student comment: "I wanted my composition to be symmetrical but a little complicated in the center."

The simplicity as well as the level of difficulty was the focus on this piece.

Student comment: "I love apples."

There was a great degree of difficulty, as the student had to be careful not to tear the fragile aluminium/tissue paper in creating her composition. 

A symmetrical and balanced composition.

Students had a lot of good things to say about this artwork. 

Struggling but persisting in creating this intricate design with pipe cleaners.

Student comment: "I am missing a corner on my training sheet but it does not matter."

I watched this student as she carefully used scissors to cut her paper in long, rectangular pieces.

She then carefully used pipe cleaners around the paper.

Student comment: "I was too afraid to cut through the paper, and so I went around the paper." 

Another balanced composition.

Student comment: "This reminds me of one of my belts." 

Student comment: "I turned my training sheet over to make a sleigh."

The red pipe cleaner is the person riding the sleigh. 

Cutting the paper into thick, rectangular pieces.

The student used the pipe cleaners in a folding fashion.  

This composition was a favorite among the students.

They loved her choice of colors and shapes.

Student comment: "I used the purple square for contrast."

Despite certain limitations regarding the health of this student, I watched him working with intense concentration to make sure the pipe cleaners would appear flat on the training sheet.

Exhibiting no fear of twisting the fragile aluminum/tissue paper to create a collage.

I watched this student as he glued the three different tones of green on his aluminium paper.

Student comment: "I created a sunset window."

This work gave us the opportunity to discuses color association.