IMPOSSIBLE FORM STACKS

Impossible Form Stacks

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Impossible Form Stack using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use complimentary colors (blue, orange; red, green; purple, yellow), form (cube, cylinder, cone, sphere), and value (highlight, shadow, core shadow) inspired by Dutch Artist (1898-1972) M.C. Escher
• Understand shading techniques (highlight, mid tone, core shadow, cast shadow) and design principles (proportion, balance, movement) based on Realism
• Define Form (an object having length, width, and depth that is in an enclosed space)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Three Spheres ll (1946) M.C. Escher

2. Read Making Art: Form and Meaning by Terry Barrett
3. Discussion Questions "Can you name the solid shapes in this picture? How do forms change based on your viewpoint? What do contour lines look like on various forms? How does lighting affect values on forms? How is this picture different from real life? What interests you most about this work of art? Which object seems closer to you? What can you tell me about the colors in this drawing? How do you think the artist made this work? What questions would you ask the artist about this artwork if she or he were here?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Construction Paper
2. Draw Five Basic Forms (cone, cylinder, sphere, cube, torus) before adding light, middle, and dark values within the Impossible Form Stacks
3. Add an horizon line in the background to separate the five basic shapes from the background to separate the five basic shapes from the background (wallpaper, table) of the Impossible Form Stacks

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of paper

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Impossible Form Stacks for Assigned Table
2. Impossible Cube (1922) M.C. Escher
3. Discussion Questions "How does contrast work to establish three-dimensional form? How do we use perspective to create a cube? What are some other examples of pictures such as a television or a canvas? What words would you use to describe this drawing? What other words might you use? How would you describe the lines in this picture? The shapes? The colors? What does this painting show? What observations can you make about this painting? How would you describe this painting to a person who could not see it?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use complimentary colors (blue, orange; red, green; purple, yellow) to fill in the positive space (cone, cylinder, sphere, cube, torus) of the Impossible Form Stacks
2. Use complimentary colors (blue, orange; red, green; purple, yellow) to fill in the negative space (wallpaper, table) of the Impossible Form Stacks
3. Use a felt tip pen to add contour lines to the positive/negative space of the Impossible Form Stacks

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Impossible Form Stacks for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (pencils, kneaded erasers, white chalk)

Lesson Activities

1. Add tints (add white, reflective light, light source) to subject matter (cones, cylinders, spheres, cube, torus) of the Impossible Form Stacks
2. Add shades (add black, cast shadows, shadow) to background (wallpaper, table) of the Impossible Form Stacks
3. Use drawing tools (pencils, oil pastel, chalk) to add details to the Impossible Form Stacks

Teacher Demonstration Video

Artist Examples 

Student Examples