Transformation Activity for Elementary Students

Activity:

Students will build their own piece of artwork using a technique called Impasto. This multilayer step project teaches students about texture, colors and thickness. Students will take a white sheet of paper and transform it into a beautiful piece of their own constructivist artwork.

First, students will color the entire sheet of white paper anyway they wish using regular color crayons, then students will take the glow-in-the-dark color crayon and design something unknown of their choice (This is the twist, the glow in the dark design will be revealed in the dark). Second, students will use a paint brush to spread black paint over the entire white/colored sheet of paper. Third, students will construct another design using a feather (the feather works like a pencil), it removes the black paint. Fourth, students will write their name on the design too. Design possibilities are endless.

Materials Needed:

10 x 12 sheet of white paper (one per student)
Box of color crayons (one per student)
Glow in the dark crayons (one per student)
Black tempera paint
Paint brushes (one per student at least one inch in width)
Small cups (pour paint into the cups, give one cup per student)
Feathers (one per student)
Tape (tape the white sheet of paper to the student’s desk)
Lots of paper towels (for clean up)
Sink area (for clean up)

Introduction:

Students will be introduced to a professional artist through power point. During the art literacy presentation students will learn about the artist and his artwork. An in-depth view of the artist work will reflect texture, smoothness, and creativity. After the art literacy lecture, another brief lecture by the teacher will be given. Visual aid examples of the project to be completed will be represented in stages. Open-ended questions will be addressed during both lectures.

Predictions:

All of the children will engage with this activity and have fun.
Some students might ponder for a bit on how to create their own design.
Some students might wonder if they should impose many colors or one color on the sheet. Students will socially interact with other peers.
Some students will theory-build simple designs such as making stars, circles, or vertical and horizontal lines.
Some students will come up with more complex designs such as a sunset.
Many of the students will be anxious to see how their artwork turns out in the light and in the dark.
Students will wonder how their design will look when completed.

Theories:

Students will wonder how crayons, painting, and removal of paint can create a beautiful design. Students will wonder about the outcome of the project.
Students will wonder if they have colored the white sheet with enough colors.
Students will wonder how or if the glow-in-the-dark-crayon will show up in the dark.
Students will learn that beautiful artwork can be created with multiple textures.

Questions:

Students might ask:
How does the crayon color show up?
How do we know the glow-in-the-dark crayon will glow?
What kind of design should I make with the glow-in-the-dark crayon?
Do you think my design looks good?
Can we turn out the lights to see our designs glow?

Possible Extensions:
Instead of putting only black paint on the design, use different colored tempera paints.