Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (black brown gold), shape variation (geometric organic free form) and form (two dimensional three dimensional) inspired by American Sculptor (1899-1988) Louise Nevelson
• Use assemblage techniques (layering overlapping found objects) and design principles (composition gradation proportion) based on Modern Art
• Define Relief Sculptures (any work which projects from but which belongs to the wall or other type of background surface)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Ancient Secrets III (Part 2) (1964) Louise Nevelson

2. Read Breaking Tradition: The Story of Louise Nevelson by Natalie Bober

3. Discussion Questions "How does a sculpture compare to a painting? How does Louise Nevelon's sculptures compare to other sculptures? Why would she paint them in a solid color? Does her work have balance, variety, and texture? Why? Did she fill the space with a variety of shapes and forms/ Does she have more negative space or positive space in her sculptures? How is Louise Nevelon's sculptures similar or different of sculptures by other artists? What did Louise Nevelson use to create her assemblages? In your opinion, why do you think that it was important for her to select and use these materials? What visual impact does color play in Nevelson's 'Dawn's Wedding Chapel IV' and 'Cascade'? Do you enjoy the work of Louise Nevelson?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Choose 12" X 15" Wooden Background

2. Use collage techniques (overlapping cropping forming) to make three dimensional objects for wooden sculptures

3. Use assemblage techniques (attaching, combining, found object) to connect all three dimensional objects of the Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages for Assigned Table

2. Diminishing Reflection XX (1966) Louise Nevelson

3. Discussion Questions "How do you think the exposure to wood affected her career? What if her father owned a textile factory? Have you seen anything like this before? What kinds of shapes do you see? Are some of the shapes and pieces repeated? What colors do you see? Do you think this piece is monochromatic? Have you ever made anything like this? If you were to make a sculptor like this, what would you make it out of? What do you like about this sculpture?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Use addictive techniques (containers, wooden scraps, clothing pins) to add details to wooden sculptures

2. Use found objects (beads, buttons, wooden objects) to add different sizes (small, medium large) to wooden sculptures

3. Use adhesive techniques (super glue, glue bottles, string) to connect different sizes (small medium large) of the Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (spray paint, tempera paint, watercolor paint)

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black brown gold) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the wooden sculptures

2. Use neutral colors (black brown gold) to fill in the negative space (background) of the wooden sculptures

3. Use shade (black) to add the illusion of depth within the Louise Nevelson Inspired Assemblages

Artist Examples

Student Examples