Cubist Clay Portrait

by AMACO brent

Large lesson plan 50 boy girl portraits pp (1)

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is considered the most influential artist of the 20th Century. He explored many styles and techniques in painting as well as sculpture, but he is most known as being co-founder of cubism. Cubism is an art style in which the subject is broken down into several facets with several views shown simultaneously: a flattened three-dimensional form.

In this lesson, students will create a cubist style portrait using clay slabs. They will develop an understanding and appreciation for the cubist period of art with an engaging hands-on experience. They will learn to texture the clay slabs, assemble the pieces, and how to use underglazes. This is a portrait project which asks students to throw off the constraints of realism and to be creative.

Sketch different perspectives

Large lesson plan 50 step1 pp

Ask your students to sketch a cubist style portrait on a piece of drawing paper. Remind them the key attributes of the cubist style and make sure they are aware that the portrait should be an abstract representation and include multiple features from multiple viewpoints. When finished with their portrait sketch have them break up each feature into a separate drawing. Example: Shape of face, nose, eyes, ears, hair etc.

Roll slabs

Large lesson plan 50 step2 pp

Using a slab roller or rolling pins roll out a slab of AMACO® clay approximately 1/4" thick.

Transfer drawing to clay

Large lesson plan 50 step3 pp

Have the student lay the drawing of the individual features on top of the slab of clay and trace each shape onto the clay with a pencil or end of brush. The pressure from the pencil will transfer the outline onto the slab.

Cut out Face

Large lesson plan 50 step4b pp

Cut Out Features

Large lesson plan 50 step4c pp

Apply texture

Large lesson plan 50 step5 pp

Apply different textures to each piece/shape of clay. Use the AMACO® Texture Slab Molds to create intricate cultural patterns or simply apply textures using found objects or other clay tools.

Layer pieces

Large lesson plan 50 step6b pp

Score the main piece where the features will attach. Also score the back of the individual features.

Score and use vinegar to attach

Large lesson plan 50 step7b pp

Brush small amount of vinegar (used instead of slip for attaching) on scored places and attach.

Ready for drying and glazing

Large lesson plan 50 step8 pp

Once all of the pieces are reassembled, each student should have a cubist style portrait that resembles their original sketch on paper but now in 3D relief made of clay.

Apply underglaze

Large lesson plan 50 step9 pp

Next, have the students begin applying AMACO® Velvet Underglazes or AMACO® Liquid Underglazes to different areas or features. The underglazes can be applied directly onto the wet clay prior to bisque firing. Choose colors that will cause the various features and planes to recede or pop as desired.