AARON ZENZ CLAY MONSTERS

 Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Aaron Zenz Clay Monster using sculpture techniques learned in class 
• Use form (two dimensional three dimensional), shape (geometric organic), and texture (rough smooth) inspired by Michigan Illustrator (2011-Present) Aaron Zenz
• Use language arts connections (storyboards illustration commercial design) and design principles (proportion balance movement) based on Illustration
• Define Illustration (a picture visually interpreting text, concepts, or process in published media)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Flower Keeper (2018) Aaron Zenz

2. Read Monsters Go Night-Night by Aaron Zenz 

3. Discussion Questions "How do monster get ready for bed? What kind of pajamas do monsters wear? What do monster take baths with? Which snacks do monster eat? If you had a monster, what would your monster look like? How would your monster act and sound? When have you been in a situation where it was a long time for one person and short time for another? What do you do at night to help you get to sleep? What do you say and do to help meet a friend's needs? What should a friend say or do? Can a monster be good? When should you compromise, and when is it important to insist on what you want?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add lines for proportion (head, body, tail) within the silhouette of the monster sculptures

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) for the positive space (body) of the monster sculptures

3. Use modeling tools to draw facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters for Assigned Tables 

2. ChubbJaw (2017) Aaron Zenz

3. Discussion Questions "Will your monster be mean, nice, silly, scary, or happy? How do you make a scary mouth? What do silly eyes look like? What type of pattern will you add onto the monster? Are monster real? Where do monsters live? What role do monsters play in various cultures and how are they reflected in various art forms? How have monsters been viewed, what purpose do they serve, and why are they necessary? How does a monster look? What are some things you might do if you were in the same situation? Could this book be a story that someone made up?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters

2. Add details (pattern, gills, swirls) to the positive space (body) of the monster sculptures

2. Use modeling tools (brush grip paddle) to smooth out the facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) of the Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (rubber mat, paintbrushes, water bucket)

Lesson Activities

1. Add tempera paint (red yellow orange) to the positive space (body) of the monster sculptures

2. Add tempera paint (blue green purple) to the negative space (background) of the monster sculptures 

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial proportions, facial features, and accessories of the Aaron Zenz Clay Monsters

Artist Examples

Student Examples