Precarious Forms From Fourth!
4th grade has just completed an amazing project that looked at how shapes become forms using value. Originally named "Impossible Forms," the project was renamed by one of my 4th graders as "Precarious Forms," and it could not have been more perfect!
We began by reviewing what shapes were and how they were different from geometric forms. We also asked the question, "How do artists use value and form to create Realism?" (To see this intro, click over the MEDIA page and scroll to 4th Value.)
We explored ways to turn shapes into form and to create value by completing a value scale. We also looked at the always fun Pop Artist, Wayne Thiebaud. Theibaud specialized in painting the sweeter things in life, mainly cakes and pastries and other sugary items. He was also a great artist to introduce the students to because most of his work involved turning forms into confections using value and details.
On the second and third day, we jumped right in to drawing forms and adding value with charcoal. This was so much fun AND so messy... one of our awesome aids pointed out that by the end of one class, everyone looked a little like a scene from one of our favorite movies! :)
The students were required to create at least 12 forms with value in a variety of shapes and sizes. After the forms were complete and cut out, we talked about compositions in art and how we could turn these forms into precarious images. Can we make it look as though they are falling or just barely balancing? How do we create that balance, wether it is symmetrical or assymetrical?
It was interesting as they arranged their compostiions to see the wide variety of solutions. Some students began with their smallest forms and built their compostions upon that. Others began to see actual images they could create with their forms. All of them turned out very, very wonderful!
