Fantasy Castle/City Experimental Painting

The experimental methods of learning, in my opinion, provide more room for students to discover the truths in their own, personal ways. This type of learning not only develops their creativity, but also leads to good grasping of the learnt topic.

During this Art Class students developed images based on “fantasy buildings” theme, which promoted understanding that imagination could be a good source of art ideas.

The goal of this artistic assignment for the students was to be able to analyze the shapes of buildings’ parts and architectural space in general. We also discussed how to use shapes to suggest movement and stability.

The experimentation with paint brought various effects to the images resulting in colourful and vibrant urban/magical sceneries.

Students explored ways of using drawing materials and painting experimental methods including without a brush (colours mix and blend --> texture).

DEPICTION:

• Shapes can be abstracted or reduced to their essence.

• Shapes can be enhanced with complexities, embedded or extended forms.

• Students will modify forms by abstraction, distortion and other transformations.

• The direction of shapes determines the static or dynamic quality of the work.

COMPOSITION:

Arrangements of forms into shapes and patterns can tighten a design, direct attention and hold interest in a composition.

ACTIVITIES:

• Intro. Talk a little bit about painting with no brush; ask – have you done it? How did it feel? – Short video and projected images on the TV screen (ongoing) --> inspiration, comparison – logical, visual, verbal; 5 min.

• Music played in the background – aural, ongoing

• Demo: Painting with a narrow piece of cardboard--> Paint Technique – “how to” – physical, social; 7 min.

• Exploration --> Students decide on the shapes and colours of their castles --> experiment with paint; (creativity, problem solving, fine motor skills); /scaffolding when needed/- solitary, physical; 24 min.

• Free time within art related activity for those who are finished earlier

• We share our experiences (is painting without a brush fun?) short recap – social, verbal; 2 min.

• Clean up; 4 min.