These sculptures can be done several times with different subject matter. They are easy to store as works in progress but yield a truly 3-Dimensional work of art. They require students to work with the same issues confronted by professional sculptors, working in the round, understandable to the viewer, and structural stability.

Prior lessons in drawing and color are especially helpful. The elements of art - line, shape, value, color, space and texture - can be taught as part of the unit or taught previously.

Grade Levels

Middle School

Procedure

1. Have students create drawings of people or animals. These should be 6" to 10" tall and should be complete figures. They may put several on a page. Students may model for each other.
2. Help students evaluate their figures for potential as slot sculptures. Look for balance points (feet, fins, tails, etc.) and interesting shapes in both the positive and negative space.
3. Trace transfer the best figure to scrap poster board or cover stock to try out the balance and slotting.
• Trace the figure.
• Turn paper over.
• Go over the back of the lines with Ebony pencil.
• Place tracing right side up on posterboard or cover stock.
• Go over original drawing with a sharp HB pencil. The drawing will transfer to the cover stock.
• Repeat to have 2 figures.
4. Cut out the figures.
5. Decide about placement of slot. It must come from the top halfway on one figure and from the bottom halfway on the other.
6. Put the figure together. Stand it up and evaluate it for visual interest and structural stability.
7. Make any necessary changes.
8. If changes are made, repeat the sample process and evaluation.
9. When the figure is successful, trace transfer it to the 3-ply bristol board. Transfer 2 figures.
10. In working with the figures, two of the elements of art - shape and space - have already been created by the figure. Now students use pencils and colored pencils to add the other four elements.
• Side one is completed in contour line with the HB pencil. All linear aspects of the subject should be explored.

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