Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish using sculpture techniques learned in class
- Use primary colors (red yellow blue), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual implied visual) inspired by American Sculptor (1898-1976) Alexander Calder
- Use art element: shape (geometric, organic, free form) and design principles (movement, balance, composition) based on Modern Art
- Define Kinetic Art (any art medium that contains moving elements or requires movement from the viewer)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Fish (1944) Alexander Calder
2. Read Alexander Calder: The Art Of Invention by The Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art
3. Discussion Questions "Who is Alexander Calder? Was Alexander Calder always an artist? What is Alexander Calder most famous for? What was Alexander Calder's favorite subject? What was Alexander Calder's favorite drawing material? What was Alexander Calder's thoughts on sculpture? How can art be realized? Which are some of Alexander Calder's key works? How did Alexander Calder transport some of his artworks? What do critics think of Alexander Calder's artwork? How do you think this artwork moves? Do you feel you are caught in a blustery snowstorm? Do you think Alexander Calder captured the magic of fishing in this performance? What do you think of his work? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Have you ever tried to make a mobile?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose Three 12 X 12 Primary Colored Wires
2. Use three composition elements (shape, color, texture) to represent a Michigan Fish (bowfin, goldfish, minnow, catfish, salmon, trout) for the fish sculptures
3. Use line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) as a design principles (movement, composition, balance) of the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish for Assigned Table
2. Finny Fish (1948) Alexander Calder
3. Discussion Questions "Do you think Alexander Calder balanced this mobile? How do you imagine it stands within the space? Has Calder created a whole new art form? What does this stabile remind you of? Why do you suppose Calder gave the stable a descriptive name (red horse) but left the mobile with a specific name? What do you think about his work? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Have you ever tried to make a mobile? How did Alexander Calder design a shape for the installation? What identical shape were used in making the mobile? What is going on in this artwork? What was your first reaction when you saw this artwork? What type of colors are used in this artwork?"
Lesson Activities
1. Use compass, protractors, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to fish sculptures
2. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the positive space (fish) with embellishments (buttons, ribbons, beads, sequins, pipe cleaners) for the fish sculptures
3. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the negative space (background) with embellishments (buttons, ribbons, beads, sequins, pipe cleaners) for the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, construction paper, wire, scissors)
Lesson Activities
1. Use scissors to cut out basic shapes (geometric, organic, free form) for the positive space (fish) of the fish sculptures
2. Use scissors to cut out basic shapes (geometric, organic, free form) for the negative space (background) of the fish sculptures
3. Use felt markers to add beautiful patterns (hearts, swirls, dots) to the positive space (fish) of the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish
Artist Examples 
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