CLAY LIZARDS

 Clay Lizards

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Clay Lizard using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, implied, visual) inspired by Mexican Artist (1906-1992) Pedro Linares Lopez
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, modeling, assemblage, casting) and design principles (gradation, composition, proportion) based on Mexican Folk Art
• Define Alebrije (brightly colored Mexican folk-art sculptures of fantastical creatures)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Alebrije Bird At The Children Museum In Indianapolis (1906) Pedro Linares Lopez

2. Read Alebrije Tales: Children Of The Night by Isaac Serna

3. Discussion Questions "What do you know about the Zapotec people? What do you know about the states of Mexico and Maya civilization? How can art be an economic force? Could similar approach help other economically depressed regions? How does this artwork reflect new knowledge of the Oaxacan people? How would you visually describe the characteristics of alebrijes? What are Alberijes? What are lizards? How big can lizards grow? How many varieties of lizards are there? What do lizards symbolize? Why did the artist use those colors and backgrounds for the artwork? What do you think is beautiful about this artwork? What can you learn from viewing this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (head, eyes, tail) of the positive space (animal) of the lizard sculptures 

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (circle, eyes, triangle tail, oval body) for the positive space (animal) of the lizard sculptures 

3. Use modeling tools to draw facial features (scales, toes, spots) for the positive space (animal) of the Clay Lizards

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Lizards for Assigned Table

2. Alebrijes (1936) Pedro Linares Lopez

3. Discussion Questions "Why are lizards important to the ecosystem? What special features do lizards have? What are lizards a sign of? What is the hidden meaning of seeing a lizard? How far can a lizard run? What are the unique characteristics of a lizard? What do you think lizards eat? What do lizards have on the scales? What type of lizards are in our story? What types of noises do lizards make? Which type of lizard lives in North America? Do either or both of these lizards live where you do?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (eye lids, eyelashes, spots) for the positive space (animal) of the lizard sculptures

2. Add details (patterns, scales, stripes) for the positive space (animal) of the lizard sculptures

3. Use modeling tools (brush, grips, paddle) to smooth out the facial features (eyelids, eyelashes, spots) of the Clay Lizards

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Lizards for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (rubber mat, paintbrushes, water bucket)

Lesson Activities

1. Add tempera paint (red orange yellow) to the positive space (animal) of the lizard sculptures 

2. Add tempera paint (blue green purple) to the negative space (background) of the lizard sculptures 

3. Apply Gloss Finish to facial proportions, facial features, and accessories of the Clay Lizards

Artist Examples

Student Examples