Active Figure Sculpting

Creating form and indicating movement 

Eighth graders were challenged to capture figures in expressive, dynamic motion.  First, they participated in a figure-drawing unit that focused on drawing idealized figures in action.  After developing these drawing skills, they sculpted from their drawings, aluminum foil figures engaged in favorite activities.  Each figure had to include an item to place it in a story or context.  The figures and items were attached to wooden plinths and the entire works were encased in home-made paper clay and/or plaster strips.  When completed, the sculptures were painted black and splattered with light-colored speckles to achieve a faux stone effect.