Clay Pet Portraits
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Pet Portrait using sculpture techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual, implied, visual) inspired by American Artist (2014-Present) Rebecca Fischer
- Use hand building techniques (col method, slab method) and design principles (movement, proportion, variation) based American Art
- Define Portrait (a picture of the head, shoulder, and face made by the artist)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Mac N Cheddar (2022) Rebecca Fischer
2. Read Artists And Their Pets: True Stories Of Famous Artists And Their Animal Friends by Susie Hodge
3. Discussion Questions "How did the artist use color and value to create his paintings? Why do you think the artist decide to paint his pet? If you could touch the animal, how would it feel? How does the artist paint texture? Why do you think the artist's work is considered portraiture? What do you feel when you look at this painting? Why do you feel that way? What type of environment can your animal be found in? What types of body parts (long trunk, short legs, one fin, flat tail) does your pet have? What type of shelter does your pet live in? How does your animal move around? Who are the predators of your animal? What type of weather does your pet like?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (head, neck, shoulder) within the silhouette of the pet portrait
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, present ears, rectangle neck) for the positive space (animal) of the pet portraits
3. Use needle tools to draw facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) for the positive space (animal) of the Clay Pet Portraits
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pet Portrait for Assigned Table
2. Daisy For Melissa (2022) Rebecca Fischer
3. Discussion Questions "What adaptations help your animal gather or eat food? What adaptations help your animal breath? What adaptations help your animal defend itself? Do animals have feelings? What is your expressive pets portrait favorite environment? Can animals be happy, sad, lonely, mad, or loving? How do the illustrations reflect the animal's human like qualities? What types of bonds can develop between a human and an animal (friend, caregiver, support)? Does the fur usually grow in one particular direction? Do cats love to sit in a sunny window? Do dogs love to be out in the garden? Is your dog's style more like Scooby Doo or Pongo? What is this animal's name? Why did you choose this animal? What do you find inspiring about this animal? What did you as an artist hope to convey about this animal through your artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) within the positive space (animal) and silhouette of the pet portraits
2. Add details (eye sockets, brow bone, moles) to the facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of the pet portraits
3. Use modeling tools (paddle, brush, grips) to smooth out the facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of the Clay Pet Portraits
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pet Portraits for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (modeling tools, clay, glaze)
Lesson Activities
1. Add color combinations (complementary, secondary, analogous) to the positive space (animal) of the pet portraits
2. Add color combinations (complementary, secondary, analogous) to the negative space (background) of the pet portraits
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the proportions (face proportions, facial features, accessories) of the Clay Pet Portraits
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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