A maquette is a small model usually created from sturdy, easily worked materials such as art boards (mat, illustration, foam, cardboard). Professional sculptors often create maquettes or models to experiment with ideas or to present their ideas for a large work to a client.

The finished, large scale sculpture will be created in more durable materials such as sheet metal, wood, plastic or fiberglass. Often craftsmen create the finished sculpture from the artist's drawings and maquette.

In this project students will create maquettes of abstract sculptures utilizing the elements of art - line, shape, value, color, space and texture - and the principles of design - balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm and movement, pattern and unity.

The sculpture must be fully in the round (works equally well from all 4 sides) and have structural stability (must stand on its own permanently, not for a few seconds).

Grade Levels

High School

Procedure

1. Have students research artists who create sculpture utilizing flat planes; for example, many of Roy Lichtenstein's sculptures.
2. Demonstrate to students slot construction and slit and tab construction. In slots, one plane is slit from the top and the second slit from the bottom so the two can interlock and stand up. In slit and tab construction, tabs may be added to shapes or structural members may be put through slits cut in other shapes. When the tab is folded back, the structure should be stable. No glue or fasteners are used in this project.
3. Have students use scraps of posterboard or cover stock to practice these construction methods.
4. Review the elements of art and principles of design with students.
5. Ask students to consider both the positive and negative shapes in creating their sculptures. Both should be interesting to look at.
6. Students create drawings of possible shape sculptures from all 4 sides. They may indicate on the drawings how the shapes will be put together.
7. Students may use the posterboard or cover stock scraps to try out their sculptures' large planes and fastenings. Make any necessary adjustments.
8. Students help each other evaluate the sculptures for the principles of design. Make any necessary changes.
9. They draw the shapes on 3 ply bristol board. Be certain to add any necessary tabs.
10. Cut out the shapes. Students may use scissors or craft knives and cutting mats.

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