Sixth Grade: Faux Metal Masks

After the sixth graders finished their symmetrical paper masks we started their second mask project.  We had already looked at a variety of masks from different cultures and discussed the similarities and differences.  The first step of this project was to design a mask.  The students were encouraged to keep their original design fairly simple.  More intricate details could be added later.

The drawings were used as a pattern to transfer the designs onto cardboard.  The cardboard shapes were cut out and layered on a background sheet of cardboard to make a mask with a low relief design.  After all the pieces were cut out and in place they were glued to the background.

 

When all the pieces were glued down the students had the option of adding more details, outlines and patterning using lines or dots of glue.  The glue needed to be fairly thick.  If the glue was too thin and didn't show up well after drying, an additional layer of glue might be needed. The masks were put aside to allow the glue to dry completely.

The following week we were ready for the faux metal painting.  The first step was to paint the entire surface with black tempera paint.  When it was dry to the touch the students lightly sponged on a layer of gold, bronze or silver tempera paint being careful to leave the recessed areas black.

Final Faux Masks

Sixth Grade: Symmetrical Paper Masks

The sixth graders made two masks using different techniques.  Before starting our projects we looked at masks from different cultures and talked about reasons for mask making, materials used to create masks and abstract/realistic design.  For this project we also focused on symmetry and negative/positive shapes.

The students started the project by making a simple symmetrical pencil sketch.  The instructions were to fill the page and use large simplified shapes for the features.  The design was cut in half and transferred to a half sheet of construction paper.  The shapes were cut out and placed onto a full sheet of contrasting paper.  Alternating shapes were flipped and glued down to the opposite sides of the center line which created negative and positive shapes.

Third Grade: Abstract Re-cycled Paper Masks

For their second project Ms Aguirre's third graders made abstract, painted paper masks influenced by Kimmy Cantrell with a little Picasso thrown in.  At the beginning of class we looked at examples of masks and talked about realism vs abstraction.  Then each student made pencil sketches of masks with an emphasis on keeping the masks simple and filling the entire page.

For the next part of the project we discussed collaging with paper and how to make patterns from their drawings.  They had the choice of using either black or white construction paper for their background and the reverse for the base of their mask.  Scraps of painted papers left from another project were used for the details of the masks.

 Finished Masks

Third Grade: Glue Line and Pastel Masks

Ms Agurrie's third grade class made masks using two different mediums.  For our first project we made paper masks with glue lines and pastel.  Before they began I showed them a variety of actual masks and pictures of masks and we looked for the patterns and elements of art that were used.   We also discussed possible purposes for the masks.  Next the students made simple pencil drawings that they would use as a pattern.  Then they transferred the drawing to either black, brown or gray paper.

They had a choice between using black glue or white glue to trace over the pencil lines.  When they were finished they set them aside to dry to be finished the following week.

By the next lesson the glue was dry and they were ready to use the pastels.  After a quick demo they choose either oil or soft pastels to fill in and add color and additional patterns between the glue lines.

                                                      

Finished Glue Line and Pastel Masks

Third Grade Abstact Masks

For the second project in Ms Robertson's class we made recycled masks inspired by ceramic artist Kimmy Cantrell.   We looked at examples of his work and talked about realistic versus abstract art.  Fortunately they were already familiar with abstracts after a unit on Picasso.  The kids cut the basic face shapes from black styrofoam meat trays.  Then they used colored craft foam to make the facial features and larger designs.  When everything was cut and in place the students glued them to a piece of foam core with their choice of colored paper background for contrast.

The next step was to add details.  Some of the students used black sharpies to outline and add patterns on the foam shapes.  The last part was to add small nails, thumbtacks or decorative pins for accents.

Finished Kimmy Cantrell Masks