CLAY MODEL CARS

Clay Model Cars

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Clay Model Car using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional) and texture (actual, implied, visual) inspired by American Designer (1893-1969) Harley Earl
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, assemblage, modeling, casting) and design principles (proportion, repetition, emphasis) based on American Art
• Define Concept Car (a car made to showcase new styling and technology)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Lesson

1. Chevrolet Corvette (Robert Tate Collection) (1953) Harley Earl

2. Read Harley Earl And The Dream Machine by Stephen Bayley

3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Harley Earl was the first person in the automotive industry to create better paying jobs for women? What concerns existed with automobile styling? What other contributions did Harley Earl make? According to Yanek Mieczkowski, what concept did Harley Earl introduce? Which vehicle was used as the template for Batman's Batmobile? What was Harley Earl's role at General Motors? How can you design a model of a car from a block of clay? What are the practical uses (pottery, bricks, tiles) for clay? What are the artistic uses (sculpture, instruments, animation) for clay? What type of vehicle did you create? Where would you take this vehicle? What did you learn from carving? If you could make one change to your car, what would it be?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (front, back, sides) within the positive space (foreground) of the clay cars

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (wheels, windows, doors) for the positive space (car) of the clay cars

3. Use needle tools to draw details (rims, engine, wheels) for the positive space (car) of the Clay Model Cars

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Model Cars for Assigned Tables

2. Buick Y-Job Concept (1920) Harley Earl

3. Discussion Questions "What can we make with these materials? How do artists make something look three dimensional when the material is flat? Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Why do artists need to understand how to represent form in art? What is the history of form in art? what is considered geometric or organic in art? How do artists help to change the world in a positive way? How does the understanding of this artist change our understanding of the artwork? What special features do these cars have? What is the hidden meaning behind these car models? What are the unique characteristics of these model cars? What is different about these model car examples?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Use compass, protractor, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to the clay cars

2. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the clay cars

3. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Clay Model Cars

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Model Cars for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (roller, modeling clay, clay tools)

Lesson Activities

1. Add color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Model Cars

2. Add color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Model Cars

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the proportions (front, back, side, wheels), positive space (car), and negative space (background) of the Clay Model Cars 

Artist Examples

Student Examples