Venetian Carnival Masks

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Venetian Carnival Masks using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic), form (two dimensional three dimensional), and texture (flitter mesh feathers) inspired by Irish Artist (2016-Present) Brian McCarthy
• Use collage techniques (found objects, assemblage, layering) and design principles (unity, balance, movement) based on Puerto Rican Art
• Define Masks (a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, to amuse others)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Carneval (2016) Brian McCarthy

2. Read Vejigante Masquerader by Lulu Delacre

3. Discussion Questions "Who wears masks? When and where do people wear masks? What other activities are happening when they wear asks? What is it like to wear a mask? What do you think about when you make a mask? Why do you wear masks? Do these masks look familiar? Do they look old? Are these masks scary? Can you guess what these masks are made of? Can you guess how these masks were made? Do you know when these masks might have been worn? Does your opinion of the masks change? did you connect masks to festivals or parades? How are masks connected to families and community traditions?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use gesture lines to add facial features (eye bigs, large hand) and facial proportions (head shoulder) to the Venetian Carnival Masks

3. Use gesture lines to add costume characteristics (cape, mask, gloves) to the positive space (portrait) of the Venetian Carnival Masks

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Venetian Carnival Masks for Assigned Table

2. Masquerade (2016) Brian McCarthy

3. Discussion Questions "What is included in a parade? Who participates? Who watches? What special characters have you seen in carnivals? How are the characters dressed? Do the characters have special masks as part of their costumes? What are some of the sounds of a parade? What kinds of food are eaten? Where do parades take place? Why do people hold parades? Do these masks look familiar to you? Do these masks look old? Can you guess what these masks are made of? Can you guess how these masks were made? When might these masks have been worn?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use cartoonist style (exaggerated gestures, simplified shapes, isolated graphics) to add details to the positive space (portrait) of the carnival masks

2. Add highlights (light sources, reflective light) to the subject matter (masks, facial features, gloves) within the positive space (portrait) of the carnival mask 

3. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Venetian Carnival Masks

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Venetian Carnival Masks for Assigned Table 

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, glitter)

Lesson Activities

1. Use metallic colors (silver, gold, bronze) to fill in the positive space (facial features, costume characteristics) of the carnival masks 

2. Use metallic colors (silver, gold, bronze) to fill in the negative space (background) of the carnival masks

3. Use clear finish to cover the positive space (portrait) and negative space (background) of the Venetian Carnival Masks

Artist Examples

Student Examples