Liquid Glitter Paintings

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create an original Liquid Glitter Painting using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic), and space (positive negative) inspired by Contemporary Artist (1971-Present) Mickalene Thomas
• Use painting techniques (blending, wet on wet, dry brush) and design principles (gradation, movement, proportion) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Silhouette (an image or design in a single hue or tone)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Michelle O (2008) Mickalene Thomas

2. Read Just Add Glitter by Angela DiTerlizzi

3. Discussion Questions "How does the artist work? How has the artist's practice changed overtime? What role do artists have in society? What is integral to the work of an artist? What is the background of the work? What art do you most identify with? What is your strongest memory of your childhood? What is your favorite artwork? What jobs can artists have other than being an artist? What do you like about this work? What role does arts funding have? What is your dream project?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black grey white) to fill in the positive space (silhouette) for the glitter paintings

2. Use white lines (thick thin curved) to add patterns (stripes wave dots) to the positive space (silhouette) for the glitter paintings

3. Use black lines (thick thin curved) to add patterns (stripes waves dots) to the negative space (background) of the Liquid Glitter Paintings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Liquid Glitter Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Tamika And Jessica With Flowers (2008) Mickalene Thomas

3. Discussion Questions "Which two colors are used in negative space photographs? What does it captivate, in terms of emotions, to the audience of negative space? What are the three basic elements of composition needed in drawing? What is positive space in art? Which is the difference between positive and negative space? which is easier to understand between the two different spaces? Can space be both two-dimensional and three-dimensional? What is positive and negative space? Which do you think is more important the positive space or the negative space? Can you see all hidden images in the designs below?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use glitter colors (gold, silver, bronze) to fill in the negative space (background) of the glitter paintings

2. Use glitter colors (gold silver bronze) to fill in the positive space (silhouette) of the glitter paintings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending layering overlapping) to add contrast to the composition of the Liquid Glitter Paintings

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Liquid Glitter Paintings for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (glitter paintings, tempera paint, paint brushes)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (silhouette) of glitter paintings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to negative space (background) of the glitter paintings

3. Add overlapping shapes (circles, ovals, round shapes) to the positive space (silhouette) of the Liquid Glitter Paintings 

Artist Examples

Student Examples