William Wegman Photomontages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original William Wegman Photomontage using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (continuous contour outline), shape variation (geometric organic free form) and value (lightness darkness) inspired by American Artist (1943-Present) William Wegman
• Use collage techniques (overlapping cropping layering) and design principles (composition balance proportion) based on American Art
• Define Photomontage (overlapping or rearranging photographs to create an image)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Coach From The Cinderella Portfolio (1994) William Wegman 

2. Read "Flo & Wendell Explore" by Dial Books For Younger Readers

3. Discussion Questions "What type of dog did the artist photograph? What do artists use as motivation? What do you like about this photograph? Who or what are the Hardly Boys? How does the artist create these photographs? What do you think is the most difficult scene to photograph? How would you describe this artwork to someone? How did Wegman's skills as a photographer leave a unique mark on the television and art world? What mood could be described in this artwork? What makes Wegman's photography unique? Which two factors made 1979 a miserable time for Wegman? What does this image demonstration his skill of? What should all the photographs have? What do you like about this style?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use pencil to draw a contour line of facial proportions (eyes, nose, mouth) of animals for animal collages

3. Use pencil to add facial features (fur, wings, eyelashes) to positive space (animal) of animals for animal collages 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve William Wegman Photomontages from Assigned Table

2. Igor Or Ivan (2001) William Wegman 

3.  Discussion Questions "What portraits did you especially like or dislike? What do you think a portrait shows about your identity? Why do you identify with that particular cultural group? What do you admire about these photographs? How can you make your own portrait better after looking at other portraits? What is the difference between a portrait and a self portrait? Why is it difficult to draw a portrait? Why is the most outstanding part of your portrait? How can you use close observational skills to draw a portrait?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Add adornments (piercings tattoos hairstyle) to positive space (face nose shoulder) of animal collages

2. Add costumes (jewelry, clothing, make up) to positive space (facial features) of animal collages

3. Use black sharpie marker to outline facial features (nose mouth eyes) and clothing (costumes, hats, scarfs) of William Wegman Photomontages 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve William Wegman Photomontages from Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, glue, magazines)

Lesson Activities

1. Use multicultural colored pencils to fill in the positive space (clothing jewelry facial features) of animal collages

2. Use watercolor pencils to fill in the negative space (background landscape wallpaper) of the animal collages 

3. Use value (lightness darkness) to add shadows and highlights to the William Wegman Photomontages

Artist Examples

Student Examples