Organic Subtraction Sculpture with Ra Paulette

Lesson Objective 

Work with elements of art: Shape, Color

Work with Principles of Art: Unity 

Create an Organic Subtraction sculpture in the style of Ann Weber or Ra Paulette

Key Vocabulary: 

Organic Shape: Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are often found in nature, but man-made shapes can also imitate organic forms.

Anthropomorphic:  Described or thought of as being like human beings in appearance, behavior.

Analogous Color: Analogous colors are groups of colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, with one being the dominant color, which tends to be a primary or secondary color, and two on either side complementing, which tend to be tertiary.

Monochromatic: Are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. Tints are achieved by adding white and shades and tones are achieved by adding a darker color, gray or black.

Materials: 

Floral Foam

Clay Tools

Acrylic Paints in Analogous Colors 

White glue

Focus Artist/s: 

Ra Paulette

Ann Weber

Project Requirements: 

Subtract from a Floral Foam Block exploring organic shape and unity in the style of Ra Paulette and/or Ann Weber

Sketchbook: Students draw construction/color plans for each side of their Organic Subtraction sculpture and submit plans for approval. 

Final Sculpture: 

Organic shape and unity with Paulette/Weber influence apparent

Analogous/Monochromatic colors present on ALL sides final sculpture

Assessment: 

Informal: Written Self Critique

Formal: Artist Statement

Formal: Grading final sculpture

CA STANDARDS: 

1.1 Analyze and discuss complex ideas, such as distortion, color theory, arbitrary color, scale, expressive content, and real versus virtual in works of art.

1.2 Discuss a series of their original works of art, using the appropriate vocabulary of art.

2.1 Solve a visual arts problem that involves the effective use of the elements of art and the principles of design.

2.2 Plan and create works of art that reflect complex ideas, such as distortion, color theory, arbitrary color, scale, expressive content, and real versus virtual.

4.2 Identify the intentions of artists creating contemporary works of art and explore the implications of those intentions.

4.5 Employ the conventions of art criticism in writing and speaking about works of art.

5.2 Compare and contrast works of art, probing beyond the obvious and identifying psychological content found in the symbols and images.

Modifications: 

English Language Learner: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques, group activities to check for understanding

Special Needs: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques

Accelerated Learner: Expand on skills learned to create a unique project. 

Advanced art students will be asked to increase the difficulty of their final sculpture They will also be expected incorporate more details and principles into the final project

Scaffolding adaptations: 

Students will revisit Shape, Color and Unity from the earlier learning. We will use similar visuals to refresh earlier learning.  Notes on Art history, Key Vocabulary and artists will be taken throughout discussions for added understanding. Creating sketchbook plans and Constructing final sculpture will be demo started in class using guided instruction. 

Anticipatory Set: Art Link: 

Small Group Critique Ra Paulette’s Cave Carvings 

Describe

Analyze

Interpret

Large Group Critique 

OBJECTIVE: Introduce working artists exploring organic artwork in subtraction.  

Create Subtraction Sculpture from a Floral Foam Block exploring organic shape and unity in the style of Ra Paulette and/or Ann Weber

Students will understand new vocabulary as is relates to visual art

DIRECT INSTRUCTION:

Power Point Presentation Ra Paulette, Ann Weber

Pre-assessment: Critique Ra Paulette’s Cave Digging 

Opening: Art Link: Photo of Ra Paulette’s Cave Digging 

Small Group Discussion

Describe the work

Analyze the artwork

Interpret The artwork 

Large Group Discussion

Discussion: Art History:

Watch Video

ARTIST: Ra Paulette: 

Born in Chicago, grew up in Indiana

68 years old

He left school to join the Navy 

He hitchhiked around the country

Years spent in a cabin without electricity or running water

He moved to New Mexico in 1977

First cave was completed in 19

Manual labor is the foundation of my self expression.  

To do it well, is a “whole-person” activity, engaging mental and emotional strengths as well as physical strength.

When excavating the caves, I break down the movements into their simplest parts and reassemble them into the most efficient patterns to accomplish the task while maintaining bodily ease.  

Like a dancer, I “feel” the body and its movement in a conscious way.  

I’m fond of calling this “the dance of digging”,  and it is the secret of how this old man can get so much done.85

Ann Weber: 

Born Jackson, Michigan 1950

Lives and works in Emeryville, California 

1987 MFA, California College of Arts and Crafts  Oakland, California 

Studied

Inspiration: working with a palette of simple forms: cylinders and circles

Her sculptures are symbolic of male and female forms in the natural world under Viola Frey

Works from the landscape

Her shapes originate from natural forms

once enlarged they become almost anthropomorphic

KEY VOCABULARY: 

Organic Shape: Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are often found in nature, but man-made shapes can also imitate organic forms.

Anthropomorphic:  Described or thought of as being like human beings in appearance, behavior.

Analogous Color: Analogous colors are groups of colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, with one being the dominant color, which tends to be a primary or secondary color, and two on either side complementing, which tend to be tertiary.

Monochromatic: Are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. Tints are achieved by adding white and shades and tones are achieved by adding a darker color, gray or black.

Teacher Models 

Examples of vocabulary on the board throughout discussion 

Students take notes in their sketchbooks 

Teacher Monitors room throughout discussion

Check for Understanding: 

Monitor room during Pre-assessment in sketchbook

Monitor throughout discussion ensure comprehension and active note taking 

Various Activities Designed to check/enhance student comprehension

Ra Paulette Video

Students will watch video and take notes on Ra’s  Comments about his art

Activity: 

Sketchbook Drawing: Students will begin thinking about their ideas in their sketchbooks. 

FINAL PROJECT:  Subtract from a Floral Foam Block exploring organic shape and unity in the style of Ra Paulette and/or Ann Weber

Sketchbook: Students draw construction/color plans for each side of their Organic Subtraction sculpture and submit plans for approval. 

Final Sculpture: 

Organic shape and unity with Paulette/Weber influence apparent

Analogous/Monochromatic colors present on ALL sides final sculpture