Clay Frida Catlo Cats
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Frida Catlo Cats using sculpture techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Mexican Painter (1907-1954) Frida Kahlo
- Use ceramic techniques (pinching, coiling, slab building, hand building) and design principles (balance, proportion, repetition) based on Surrealism
- Define Artist (a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940) Frida Kahlo
2. Read Wild Bios: Frida Catlo by Courtney Acampora and Maggie Fischer
3. Discussion Questions "How did the artists come up with the concept for this illustration? How did the artist pick which historical figures to include in the series? What do you think of the writing process and artistic process? Does the artist have a favorite place to write or draw? Did you know Frida Kahlo kept ten cats in her home? What gives us hints about her experiences and Mexican identity in these illustrations? Did you know Frida Kahlo had a black cat whose fur mimicked the dark hue of parakeets, a parrot, sparrows, cat, fawn, monkey, eagle, and hairless dog? Do you have any companion animals like Frida Kahlo?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slab into basic shapes (oval, cylinder, organic) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (feathers, flowers, ribbon, unibrow) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
3. Add lines for the facial features (nose, ears, paws) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Frida Catlo Cats for Assigned Tables
2. Frida Kahlo in Chair with Her Cat Black And White Photograph (1907-1954) Frida Kahlo
3. Discussion Questions "What was the most challenging part of working with the clay? What did you learn about the clay properties (wet, dry, hard, soft) as you were working with it? What part of the process was your favorite? How is your ceramic artwork different from anything you have seen before? What choices did you make to ensure your creation would stand up or hold together? What story does your artwork tell or what adventure is your creature going on? If your artwork could make a sound or a piece of music, what would it sound like? What title would you give your artwork, and why did you choose that name? How does your finished project make you feel, and how might it make others feel? What advice would you give a friend who is about to start their first clay project? How does this project remind you of something else you have seen or done in another class?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, body, paws) within the silhouette (foreground, figure) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, long ears, big eyes, paws) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
3. Use needle tools to draw features (eyes, nose mouth, paws) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Frida Catlo Cats for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, needle tools, rubber mat)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the positive space (foreground, animal, accessories) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Frida Catlo Cats
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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