For

Middle Years Students

Curriculum

Art Making and Meaning

Aim

To understand how to abstract the figure through a practical activity.

Preparation

To do this activity you will need:

• Paper, canvas, canvas board, scale preference A2.
• Pencil, pens, markers, brush and ink.
• Acrylic colour paint.

Task

Work with a friend to take turns in modelling and drawing each other.

When drawing in large scale, concentrate on simplifying the outline, on the recognition of basic shapes and forms of the figure, and use a diversity of materials.

Exaggerate and distort the forms, concentrating on using line to create simple geometric shapes.

This can also be achieved through redrawing or tracing over the original.

You could stylize and manipulate the figure by combining elements of animal and human, night and day, male and female or other pairs or opposites.

Transform your selected drawing through colour, or use other media like wax, wire or plasticine, to extend your artwork.

Group Task

Discuss and share your ideas and finished work with others in your class.