Students will enjoy exploring the wide variety of textures they can create with acrylic modeling paste on a rigid surface. With a heavy body that resembles the feel of cake frosting, students can use a variety of tools (including fingers!) to spread, scrape, scratch, stamp and smooth the modeling paste. A minimum of six areas should show depth, lines and roughness. Once dry, the textures can be enhanced by painting each area with Blickrylic colors.

Grade Levels

3–8

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will use the element of texture to design a work of art, then finish using color as a secondary element
2. Students will use a variety of tools, including tradtitional art tools and everyday objects to create a variety of textures

Preparation

Using a wide brush, coat the Canvas Panel with one layer of gesso. This seals the surface and helps the Modeling Paste adhere. Drying time 1 hour.

Procedure

1. Use a pencil to lightly divide the surface into at least six areas. Areas can be round, square or assorted shapes and sizes.
2. Working one area at a time, drop a small amount of modeling paste in the center of the shape with a plastic spoon. Use tools to form lines, peaks, crisscross lines, waves, etc. When one area is finished, move on to the next. Modeling paste dries very hard, and an average application will be dry in about an hour. Very thick applications will take longer, and the medium may crack. You can conceal these fissures with paint, or leave them as a desirable part of the texture.
3. Once dry, coat lightly with Blickrylic paints. Textures can further be defined with color and shading.

Hints

• All materials can be cleaned with soap and water.
• Textures with Blick Modeling Paste work well on all surfaces.
• Do not thin gesso.
• Blick's Modeling Paste is the thickest and whitest.
• Use this technique on sculpture.
• If modeling paste is not thick enough to hold texture when applied, leave it exposed to the air for a few minutes before you start.
• If modeling paste feels cold, it isn't totally dry and is not ready for paint.

Topics for Discussion

1. Define "texture". How is texture helpful in creating works of art?
2. What can be used, besides modeling paste, to create texture in a painting? example: sand, crushed eggshells, fibers, etc.

National Standards

Content Standard #1 — Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes

K-4 Students describe ow different materials, techniqes and processes cause different responses

5-8 Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas

Content Standard #2 — Using knowledge of structures and functions

K-4 Students use visual structures and functions of art to communicated ideas

5-8 Students select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas.

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