(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.

(G2,G3) Experiments in Weaving

For this project we decided to look at pictures of medieval tapestries and learned how tapestries were made

by weaving threads together on a loom.
We used a tapestry template and practiced weaving by "warp" threads in tension, so "weft" threads 

can be woven back and forth between them.
On of the most important tapestries in Europe are a series of seven called "The Hunt of the Unicorn" dating from 1495-1505. These seven tapestries illustrate the sequence of the hunt, ending with the capture of the unicorn.

   

We glued a fabric sheet on the template to represent the appearance of the dying wool.

Dyes were made from berries, roots and fruit. The colors most often used were

yellow, red, and blue. 

Students added medieval imagery to the background. 

Using metallic fabric to illustrate that old metallic thread was used in medieval

tapestries. 

We discussed how tapestries were an art form of their own like paintings or sculpture.

Images of animals, people, and plant-life were depicted in vivid color and detail.

Using a variety of fabric to illustrate the richness of the design in the tapestries. 

(G2,G3) Creating in the Style of Maggie Taylor

We looked at pictures of Maggie Taylor's work and discussed the way she

creates collages of digital images. We discussed how she makes her prints by scanning her objects

into the computer, where by layering and manipulation she  then creates her surrealistic montages.  

The students loved how Maggie Taylor used unusual images to create her montages.

We learned how artists integrate technology and the computer into their art process.

Some students decided to create their montages using pictures, while others decided to draw their

own images.

Maggy Taylor at her studio

Maggy Taylor

Small storm

Student comment: "This is the town where Stella Umbrella lives. 

In Stella's town there are  chocolate bar aliens that are nice." 

Maggy Taylor

The collector

Maggy Taylor

Woman with swan

Maggy Taylor

Woman who loves fish

Student comment: "This is Mr.Fish Face. He is not a nice guy, look at this teeth."

Student comment: "This was a boy that turned into a fish. Now he is a flying fish."

Maggy Taylor

Woman with a stone skirt

Students understood how to use images in an unusual way.

Maggy Taylor

Girl in a bee dress

Student comment: "This girl is turning into a flower."