Instruction:

1. Present the idea of "personal identity - self portrait" - a different kind of self portrait using images and symbolism. Show some examples of different kinds of portraits (such as collections of objects). Discuss objects/works of art (this could be done before or after the art making lesson) - this is for Standards 4 and 5.

2. Demonstrate relief techniques using cardboard (and assorted chosen materials) - and way to cover with foil.

3. Demonstrate texturing with dull pencil and demonstrate antique process

Procedures:

1. Brainstorm on list of symbols/objects to represent "self". 

2. Make simple sketches on newsprint for composition

3. Transfer shapes to cardboard and cardboard scrap

4. (Optional) Layer shapes with tag board and scraps of cardboard for more relief interest.

5. (Optional) Pad with one layer of paper toweling and glue on foil (Omit this step if layered tag board and cardboard is used for shapes).

6. Smooth on foil - forcing into textures and texture with dull pencil

7. Glue small cardboard scraps to back side to raise up in relief on back board.

8. Glue foil to background board - and assemble shapes. Add any additional textures to negative space.

9. Write a reflective piece on how sculpture represents self.

Artist for Reference:

Michael Cellan - a retired art teacher

Assessment/Rubric (adapted from Rubric by Marianne Galyk)

Student Comments:

Teacher Comments:

National Standards:

Cardboard Relief Tiles - by Linda Kieling
Non-Objective Cardboard Relief - working with shape
Elementary - Middle School

Description: Follow the same basic steps above to create these striking non-objective tiles using shapes, pattern and texture. Pre-cut the background cardboard all the save size ahead of time for unity. 

Glue Relief Printmaking - with foil plate - by Linda Kieling
Elementary through middle school (and beyond)

Preparation:

Collect an assortment of music (instrumental only). Pre-cut cardboard for printing plates (6 x 9 inches or 8 x 10 inches would be good).

Instruction:

1. Present life and times of Wassily Kindinsky - show and discuss examples of works (before or after the art making lesson). Kandinsky worked to music.

2. Paint along with students - make several of your own line works to the music. This doesn't take much demonstration.

3. Demonstrate how to make a printing plate with white glue - it is often best to put on two layers of glue (second layer after the first has dried - depending on how thick you glue is).

4. Demonstrate proper printing method to get clean prints.

Procedures:

1. Paint with black ink to music - make a new composition for each selection of music. Save all paintings as they can be used for projects later.

2. Select favorite line painting to make a glue relief plate. Transfer lines to cardboard plate (recycled corrugated cardboard works great). 

3. Go over lines with white glue (it may take two coats to cover) - let dry completely. While printing plates are drying, students could be painting left over line paintings. Use tempera or watercolors. 

4. Seal printing plate

5. Print onto white or colored papers using black ink (or any dark color). Roll ink onto printing plate - thin even coats of ink. Move to clean surface - place paper over inked plate. Rub with back side of wooden spoon.

6. Enhance dried print with oil pastels.

7. Optional - make collage prints out of ones on colored paper (cut a part and piece back together again combining two prints).

8. Cover relief plate with aluminum foil. Texture with dull pencil - antique with tempera, India ink, or shoe polish.

Student Comments:

Teacher Comments:

Foil Frames - from Bunki Kramer, Los Cerros Middle School Art , Danville, California.

 
Sample showing antique process                  Student work - click images  for larger views

Bunki Kramer done frames with students both with silver tape and with aluminum fold on
tag board frames students cut themselves (poster board or corrugated cardboard could be used). Bunki  took Tim Holtz's class and did this same lesson with him using silver tape.

Bunki liked the aluminum foil technique better because it was easier to handle for them. They cut their own tag board frames and use tag board/cardboard  scraps to add the relief. They covered all of the frame with Elmer's, crumpled alum. foil and spread it out over the frame creasing into the corners of the reliefs. They used black tempera mixed with a little hand soap from the  sink dispensers and them wiped off black excess with soft paper towels. They sealed them with clear nail polish (you might try different sealants) 

Furnace Foil Tap Frame: Tim Holtz's mirror idea was on DIY web site, you could cut out corrugated cardboard frames (a local frame shop cut mine for me one year - real cheap - I was on a time crunch) - or poster board mats.  Students could add card board relief elements to the frame. Burnish on the wide foil tape - clip tape to wrap the edges of cardboard.  Brush with India ink to antique (or use thinned acrylic paints to stain). These frames could turn their work into a real treasure - framed with silver.

Foil Relief Jewelry - Altered Book Embellishment - from Bunki Kramer

 
Click images for larger views

This foil tape/aluminum foil relief might give you some ideas for art show awards.

Tips for using in a TAB Choice Classroom

1. Make a "menu" of basic steps - provide assorted cardboard, string, glue and aluminum foil in assemblage area for relief sculpture.

2. Demonstrate technique to class as a whole when the technique is added to center.

3. Make a chart showing some different ways to building the relief and texturing.

4. Students make their choice of subject - abstract - non-objective - look at various relief sculpture sources for ideas (how sculptors get ideas).

Artist for Reference:

Michael Cellan - a retired art teacher

[ELEMENTARY LESSONS]  [MIDDLE SCHOOL LESSONS]