Collage with Phillip Martin
Lesson Plan
Learner Outcomes:
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Design: Realize that the contrast of value (tone) causes eye movement over a picture
  Appreciate the difference between unity and monotony in art
   
Line: Appreciate that line is used to represent the world around us
   
Space: Positive and negative space is used to enhance aesthetics
  Work within a limited space and create writing, harmony, variety, in a controlled manner
   
Texture: Appreciate that texture is used to enhance aesthetics
   
Materials: 25 sheets of 12" x 18" cardboard
  paper maché
  Lots of magazines
  Assorted water colors, markers, colored pencils, or colored paper (and glue or brushes if needed)
   
Vocabulary: Collage, Contrast, Unity, Monotony, Line, Positive and Negative Space, Harmony, Texture
   

The word "collage" comes from the French word "coller" which means to stick and paste. For hundreds of years, people from many cultures have made pictures using the collage method of cutting and pasting. African women have used a form of collage when they sew pieces of fabric and beads in complex designs onto blankets. The French artists Picasso and Braque first used collage elements in paintings.

Show examples of collage made from magazine pictures, recycled items, and natural materials. Remind the students that their collages may be some sort of mixed media. However, for this project, the collage should form a picture ( kind of like a mosaic) rather than traditional collage with cut out photos. They should use magazines to find the colors. Lots of color could be found in advertisements.

Students may create a design or replicate something of interest (like a great masterpiece). They need to be careful not to select something too complex or too simple. When selecting colors, it is important to remember that shading makes for a much better piece. A gradual change of colors adds to the overall effect.

Large pieces of paper must go around the edge of the cardboard base. Then, no piece of paper should be larger than a fingernail. Student can decide if they want to cut the paper or tear it. After the pictures are cut out and planned, use a paper mache mixture to apply to the cardboard.

Helpful hint: As with many of my projects, when I need a cardboard base, I raid the supply closet for empty photocopy paper boxes.

Another Helpful hint: Paper maché is easy and fun to use. It's not nearly as messy as you might fear. However, you do need to make it a day in advance to give it time to thicken up. If it is too thick, add a little water to your tupperware dish. Yep, be sure the lid is sealed before shaking it up.

Copyright 2000, revised 2012 by Phillip Martin All rights reserved.