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Constructivism Mixed Media
Submitted by: Larry
Prescott, Madison Middle School, Rexburg, Idaho
Unit: Constructivism (Line and shape)
Lesson Plan: Constructivism - using line and shape
Grade Level: Middle School (adaptable to elementary and high school)
Objectives:
Students will use the element of line to create a composition.
Students will apply a printmaking technique to create a composition.
Students will identify the historical influence on a particular visual art movement.
Students will learn the relationship between art and the environment. See Constructivist theory on ArtLex.
Students will create art with a specific intent.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of a variety of art mediums and methods -- effectively use the elements and principles of design to create a non-objective composition.
Crayon tempera resist (Click for full size)
Materials:
Black Tempera Paint
Construction Paper
Scraps of Chipboard (asst. sizes)
Styrofoam Trays
Sponges
Newspaper
Choice of: Colored Pencils
Crayons (Construction Paper
Oil Pastels
Pastels
(Option - use Tempera Paint
Resources:
Use gallery poster "JIM ROCHE- The End Result of Constructivist Theory" to introduce the concept and get kids thinking about the idea of constructing or building with lines.
Use some examples from these artists: Piet Mondrian - Kasimir Malevich - Wassily Kandinsky - Victor Vasarely
Prints
Instruction/Motivation:
The idea of mass printing of lines and the building of "structure," all-be-it, in 2-dimensions is reminiscent of the Constructivist theory.
Constructivism or constructivism - A modern art movement developed in 1917 by the Russian sculptor Vladimir Tatlin (1880-1938). The aim was to construct abstract sculpture suitable for an industrialized society, and the work pioneered the use of modern technology and materials such as wood, glass, plastics and steel.
Constructivism was introduced to Western Europe by Antoine Pevsner in Paris, and his brother Naum Gabo in Germany. The principles of Constructivism were highly influential in twentieth century Western art, although for political reasons its influence in Russia ended by 1921. (ArtLex definition).
1. Discuss poster by Jim Roche. Show PowerPoint of selected non-objective art. Show examples of Constructivism sculptures (Naum Gabo is a favorite). Discuss how works utilize the elements and principles of design in non-objective composition. See Mondrian: Composition with Oval in color Planes II and Composition No. II: Composition in Line and Color.
2. Demonstrate printing technique with chipboard scraps.
3. When works are dry -- Review color theory - Instruct students to select medium of choice for coloring composition. Students may mix media. For example, interesting effects can be obtained combining Construction Paper with Prismacolor Colored Pencils.
Procedures:
Preparation: Cut the chipboard into small squares or rectangles. These will be the printing instruments. You can glue 2 or more pieces together to create different widths.
Day 1
Cover tables with newspapers. Students use black tempera paint to print a composition of lines. I require them to print 2 compositions in a 45-minute period. They use the Styrofoam deli trays as a palette and dip the edge of the chipboard into the paint.
Day 2
Students are given the choice of using different colors of paint to print more lines on their compositions... or may begin coloring with choice of medium.
Days 3, 4…
Student chose a medium to add color to the composition. This may be a time to review color theory. I let the kids use colored pencils, Crayons, oil pastels, or Chalk. If a student chooses crayon, I encourage them to work toward the application of a black tempera resist; I just like to mix media. See student examples. (This is a good project to try towards the end of the year when supplies are getting used and picked over)
Evaluation:
Have the materials been used effectively?
Is the organization of the composition apparent? Does it represent use of design principles?
