Miriam Schapiro Action
Figures Collage

Submitted by: Kathy Barger,
Welch Elementary, Cincinnati, OH
UNIT: Mixed Media - Collage - Portrait - Figure Drawing
Grade level: 5th grade (adaptable grades 3 through 8)

OBJECTIVES: The student will:

• Complete a mixed media composition using the human figure with correct proportions
  

• Become familiar with marbleizing as a craft
  

• Create a figure that has been inspired by one their favorite activities (real or imagined).
  

• Use cut paper to create their figure in an abstract and stylized manner
  

• Become familiar with Miriam Shapiro
  

• Will understand the meaning of collage
  

• Will force their figure to become the focal point through the manipulation of color, pattern and size
  

• Students will know the difference between realistic, and abstract art.

ART GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

The learner will:

4.2.1 Explore and expand the range of possibilities that materials and procedures have and apply to the making of art forms.
5.2.1 Explore a technique by practicing it, researching it, and basing its artistic merit in the work of an artist.
5.3.2 Speculate about and research the common characteristics found in a specific artist's body of work.
     • Adapt a technique, process or art form from another cultural group to produce art work
      which is relevant to the individual or to her cultural group.

MATERIALS:

    - 8.5"x11" (21.5 x 28 cm) white Bond paper or Watercolor Paper
- Marbling Kit - Acrylic Paint
    - Large deep trays for fluid - Drawing Pencils - Sequins variety of specialty papers
    - Wallpaper - Glitter - Scissors - Optional: Watercolor Paint/Brushes/toothbrushes
    - Handouts on figure drawing - Colored Construction Paper - White Glue
    - Practice Drawing Paper 8"x11" (21.5 x 28 cm)- Gold and silver Metallic Artist Pens - Optional: Glitter/confetti
    - Sport drawing-action figures packets for each table -ass’t sticker gummed shapes
      Alternate Marbling : Shaving Cream (see lesson) - or Oil Pastels or soft Pastels

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS:

     - "Rondo" prints by Shapiro - Steps for project
     - Miriam Schapiro Biography  - Art and Man magazine on Shapiro (May 1993)
       Miriam Schapiro | More links

VOCABULARY:

     -proportion                   -Miriam Schapiro
     -collage                        -complementary colors
     -mixed media               -focal point
     -contemporary             -subject matter
     -contrast                      -realistic/-abstract

PROCEDURES

1. Students create a background with Marbling Kit (or other marbling technique) OR try spatter paint with tooth brush, wet in wet watercolor. Optional: Create a border paper using a different technique (on larger construction paper) - or find patterned wall paper that coordinates to "frame" finished work.

2. Practice figure on 8 x 11 (21.5 x 28 cm) drawing paper. Use as guideline for finished figure.

3. Plan figure from assorted papers - mix solids with patterns.

4. Glue figure in place

5. Embellish negative space with glitter accents if desired

6. Optional - Mount onto larger paper with patterned border.

ASSESSMENT:

1. Rubric on figure proportion - use of design principles/elements - variety of collage materials used - creativity - craftsmanship