An art lesson for kids teaching sculpture with a variety of objects!

The goal of this project is for students to learn about some of the principles of sculpture, such as composition, form, shape and repetition. Read Louise Nevelson: The Artist and the Legend and discuss how Nevelson was famous for her assemblage sculptures made of found objects.

Materials:

Tempera Paints

box lid

variety of disposable odds and ends

white glue or glue gun

paint brush

Vocabulary:

found objects - objects that originally had a different purpose, which the artist collected and used in his/her artwork

assemblage - form of sculpture made of “found” objects arranged in such a way that they create a piece. These objects can be anything organic or man-made.

monochromatic - having only one color

form - a 3 dimensional figure

shape - 2 dimensional or flat with defined edges

composition - combining elements in a pleasing arrangement

Step 1: Provide a large assortment of disposable odds and ends in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes for students to choose from. Have each student carefully choose a dozen or so items for their art.

Step 2: Have them layout their objects in an interesting way inside their box lid. Encourage them to experiment; group similar objects to create repetition, look at things at different angles and positions, make them fit. When they have decided on a pleasing composition, have them glue the pieces down.

Step 3: Have students paint their assemblage in a monochromatic manner, including sides of the box and back. Notice how the painted pieces have been transformed and simplified into beautiful shapes and forms.

Download the entire lesson plan, here!