Lesson Plan #24 - SANDPAPER
PRINTS
This project was completed by VSAN volunteer,
Mackenzie Moilanen
Have you ever observed the spectacular cloud formations we have in Northern Nevada? Sometimes it is difficult to tell which clouds are more amazing, the early morning or evening clouds. Whichever ones you like most, this project will give you and your child a chance to look skyward.
Materials:
Photographs of clouds (include a variety of cloud types, in different weather
conditions with their names)
Impressionist landscape prints which include the sky (Monet and Van Gogh are
good examples - available at the
library or on-line)
Wax crayons divided into warm colors (red, orange, yellow, pink, violet) and
cool colors (blue, green, purple, light blue, aqua)
9”x11” white construction paper
4" x 6", 20 extra fine grit
sandpaper for each “masterpiece” print
Paper towels
Iron - set on "wool" setting
Procedure:
With your child, look at photographs of stormy clouds and clouds in blue skies.
Point out the similarities and differences regarding their shapes,
colors, and areas of light and shadow.
Next, you and your child can squint your eyes and look at the shapes created in
between the clouds. In art, this
“in between” space, an example of negative space.
The clouds are an example of positive space. This is a common art concept for you and your child to
explore together. Try to find other
examples of positive and negative space in artwork.
Now look at the samples you have collected of Impressionist (Monet, Van Gogh,
others) landscapes that include cloudy skies. Talk about the many different
variety of colors these artists used in their clouds and sky.
Find the areas in the painting that look like they are in sunlight. Point
out that these areas include warm colors like red, orange, and yellow. Then look
for areas in shade, often painted with cool colors like blue and violet.
Ask your child to imagine a cloudy sky and have them draw it on the sandpaper
with crayons. The sandpaper should be completely covered with the design’s
color, pressing moderately hard with the crayons, and creating the illusion of
sunlight and shade by using warm and cool colors.
After the drawing is finished, place it face down on the white construction
paper, cover with a paper towel, and carefully iron on low heat.
The image will transfer onto the paper and have a speckled effect.
We chose clouds for this project, but you can easily change the subject to
flowers, bugs, trees, whatever!