Artists began their exploration of the medium of collage by creating an image using precut shapes, layering, combining and overlapping forms with attention to contrast and variety. We looked at the work of illustrator Lois Elhert in order to see how practicing artists use these techniques. Artists then experimented with creating a variety of shapes. We began by creating basic geometric shapes such as ovals, trapezoids, circles and triangles. We then explored organic shapes and more dynamic, asymmetrical and symmetrical shapes. Students will learn about principles of design and the medium of collage through a series of projects that builds their ability to arrange, layer, cut, tear and glue construction paper in order to create an image. Students will then create a large scale animal collage, demonstrating expression and creative problem solving by having students consider gesture, movement, emotions, expression and a variety of other details.
We then looked at the works of Eric Carle in order to see how artists combine shapes in order to create expressive animal faces. We discussed the basic shapes in an animal's head, as well as the various ways these shapes change in order to create a facial expression.
We then looked the work of illustrator Steve Jenkins in order to see how illustrators combine large and small shapes in order to create animal bodies.
Finally we discussed how artists use unique textured and patterned papers in order to create emphasis in their collages, adding the final touches in order to create interest and expressive details.