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Groundwork 5

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What do I need to know how to do, and why?

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Processing through these challenges will help you understand the characteristics and abilities of your medium. Completing groundwork activities and skill builders continuously enhances your knowledge and helps you develop the essential skills to create your own artwork.  Deliberate practice helps you master those skills and makes you aware of issues before they become bigger problems in your final artwork.

BASIC CARVING

1. Carving Overview

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What do you call the process that requires the artist to remove material to reveal a form?

  • What is the third dimension in a form? 

  • Why might carving be considered an unforgiving process?

  • What is one way you can visualize and sketch what a sculpture will look like from all sides?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Clay model

  • 3D Sketch Cube

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

2. Carving Plaster

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What is the most ideal reference for a beginner plaster carving?

  • What kinds of tools can be used to carve plaster?

  • What is the approximate ratio for mixing plaster?

  • How do you know your plaster is ready to use?

  • How do you know your plaster is ready to carve?

  • Why should you be extra careful not to put plaster down the sink?

  • How should extra plaster and shavings be disposed of?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Plaster Ornament

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

3. Finishing Plaster

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What is a hue?

  • What kinds of colors can be mixed from all other colors?

  • What is the difference between tints and shades?

  • How do you know your plaster is ready to use?

  • What are warm colors? What are cool colors?

  • Name three of the color schemes presented, give examples. 

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Finished Plaster Ornament

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

Carving  Reflections

What skills/ strategies did you already know?​​ What was new?
What did you learn as a result of completing this groundwork?
What did you expect?  What surprised you?  

What went well for you?

What could you have done better? 
What do you conclude about using these processes & techniques? Why?
How will you use these skills/ strategies in the future?

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