GILLIAN AYRES INSPIRED COLLAGES

Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic), and value (tints, shades) inspired by English Painter (1930-2018) Gillian Ayres
• Use painting techniques (pigment, pointillism, layering) and design principles (garadation, proportion, composition) based on Abstract Expression 
• Define Collage (a piece of art made by sticking various materials (photographs, paper, fabric) together)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Song Beneath the Stars (2009-2010) Gillian Ayres

2. Read Gillian Ayres by Mel Gooding

3. Discussion Questions "What do you think the artist is thinking about when working in this painting? Do you think the artist will know what the painting will look like when it his finished? How do artists know when an artwork is complete? Do you think this work is inspired by American Abstract Expressionism? What do you think the origin of the titles say about the artwork? How are these titles inspired from historical literature and classical mythology? How do you think the artist feels about painting? Do you think artists should keep changing their style?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) as a line design for the abstract collages

3. Outline three line types (contour continuous outline) with black oil pastels for the Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages for Assigned Table

2. The Seeds That Woke The Clay (2010) Gillian Ayres

3. Discussion Questions "What does art mean to you? What ideas, concerns, or objectives have motivated your work? How would you describe your artistic style? What is success or successful to you? Is there a distinct mood? Does it make you think about anything? Does anything jump out at you? What did the artist say about the piece? How did you start out as an artist? When do you feel your best? Do you struggle with comparison to other artists? If so, how are you able to move past this? What do your paintings reveal about your personality? Where or how do you rediscover inspiration? Who is the artist shown above?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use drawing techniques (contour outline continuous) to add basic shapes (geometric organic) to the positive space (foreground) of the abstract collages

2. Use drawing techniques (contour outline continuous) to add basic shapes (geometric organic) to the negative space (background) of the abstract collages

3. Use drawing techniques (contour outline continuous) to add details (patterns, texture, designs) to the Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, glue sticks, paper, oil pastels)

Lesson Activities

1. Use complementary colors (red green; blue orange; yellow purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the abstract collages

2. Use complementary colors (red green; blue orange; yellow purple) to fill in the negative space (background) of the abstract collages

3. Add design details (pattern texture designs) to the positive space (foreground) of the Gillian Ayres Inspired Collages

Artist Examples

Student Examples