Clay Pets On Blankets
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Pets On Blankets using ceramic techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional three dimensional), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by Swedish Ceramist (1931-2024) Lisa Larson
- Use weaving techniques (tabby, twill, satin, basket, tapestry, knots, interlocking) and design principles (proportion, repetition, composition) based on Scandinavian Modernism
- Define Exaggeration (a repeated element, shape, symbol, image, or idea that appears within a single artwork, a series of works, or a pattern)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Captivating Cat (1957) Lisa Larson
2. Read Cat On The Mat by Brian Wildsmith
3. Discussion Questions "If you could design a special mat for your pet, would it be soft, colorful, silly, fancy, or magical? What patterns would you want underneath your paws? Which kind of cat would choose your mat, and what would make your design special? Would the mat design be covered in rainbows, hearts, stripes, polka dots, or magical patterns? What is the name of your cat and what is its personality like? What basic shapes do you see when a cat curls up to sleep versus when it stretches out? What kinds of lines can you add to your cat to show fluffy, spiky, or smooth fur? What special features does your cat have, like long whiskers, a curly tail, or unusual markings? Why have cats been a popular subject in artwork from around the world?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slab into basic shapes (oval, cylinder, organic) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (feathers, flowers, ribbons, yarn, toys) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
3. Add lines for the facial features (nose, ears, paws, tail) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pets On Blankets for Assigned Tables
2. Chubby Cat (1971) Lisa Larson
3. Discussion Questions "What type of different animal personality will your pet have such as sleepy, curious, grumpy, playful, fancy, or mischievous? If the pet has closed eyes, what is the pet dreaming about and what is happening inside its head? How did the artist come up with the concept for this sculpture? 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 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? 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, tail) within the silhouette (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, long ears, big eyes, paws) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
3. Use needle tools to draw features (eyes, nose, mouth, paws, tail) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Pets On Blankets for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (rubber mats, rolling pins, air dry clay, modeling tools)
Lesson Activities
1. Add color combinations (analogous, complementary, earth tones) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, pet) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
2. Add color combinations (analogous, complementary, earth tones) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Pets On Blankets
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Pets On Blankets
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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