Applying Texture
The final computer assignment utilizes a color scheme
and includes textures or patterns in an interesting design.
To fulfill this assignment, students are introduced to
more tools available in the software: three-dimensional
brush-strokes, paper surfaces, weaves, and patterns.
Back to the Artroom
Students return to the artroom with four distinct images
and are now ready for the final presentation component—
a sculptural accordion book that will showcase their four
tree works. Each student receives four 7 x 9" ( 18 x 23 cm)
black illustration board pieces and is asked to bring four
10–12" ( 24–30 cm) twigs, collected from home, to class
for the book construction.
The texture rubbing from the first day of class is cut
into two 8 x 6½" ( 20 x 16. 5 cm) and 12 x 10 ½" ( 30 x 27
cm) pieces. To create the book’s cover, glue the 12 x 10½"
pieces of the rubbing on separate pieces of black illustration board. Fold the excess paper over the edges of the
board using mitred corners. These pieces will serve as
the book’s front and back covers. The inside boards of the
covers are covered with the 8 x 6½" papers. Glue each of
the four computer compositions to each piece of black
illustration board. Be sure to smooth the paper carefully
onto the cardboard when gluing.
Gretta Voss, grade eight, sculptural accordion book.
A template assists students as they use a metal
punch to create the holes in the sides of the boards.
Additional decorative papers, fiber leaves, edger scissors, and raffia are offered as creative elements. Text
may be included as an additional point of interest, and
students are given two simple poem format options (a
cinquain or diamante) for writing their own poems.
Sticks are combined with raffia to bind the pages in
an accordion fashion. After four class periods of book
construction, the final results present a wonderful
interpretation of nature with some technical help and
artistic sculptural flair.
Karen Watson-Newlin teaches art at Badger Ridge Middle
School in Verona, Wisconsin. watsonnk@verona.k12.wi.us
Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities
and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences
and ideas.
graphicssoft.about.com/od/designandcreate/tp/art-software.htm
