Goal (Terminal Objective):

Students will explore the art of Oaxaca Mexico, and the painting of their delicate wood carvings.

Objective:

Students will study the intricate art of the Oaxacan artists and design a mask in the style of the Oaxacan region.

National Standards:

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 1: Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 4: Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 5: Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard: 6: Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines (Social Studies and Science Cross Curriculum Connection)

Purpose:

Students will appreciate the work of Oaxacan region. They will explore the style of carving copal wood and the painting of those sculptures.

New Vocabulary:

wood carvings, copal wood, symmetrical, asymmetrical

Materials:

plaster of paris, gauze, plastic face molds, small detail brush

#24-2499 Acrylic Paint

#25-2399 Metallic Acrylic Paint

Time:

10 hours

Introduction and Motivation (Set):

Students will be able to create an original mask painted in the same style as the artists of Oaxaca Mexico.

Instruction:

Oaxacan Wood Carvings are intricate hand­carved sculptures made of copal wood. The artists are masters at creating intricate patterns and shapes.

Activities:

(1) Guided Practice:

1. Make a small grid and have the students fill the grid with practice designs. Emphasize design inside of design.
   
2. Cut three 12”x12” sheets of plaster gauze. Dip gauze into a bowl of water and squeeze gently. Lay the gauze over the plastic face mold, bumpy side up. Smooth plaster out using circular motions. Students must work quickly.
3. Apply a total of three layers of plaster on the plastic mold, smoothing each layer as you go. Allow to dry over night.
4. While the mask is drying, hand out practice mask sheet that you have prepared and let the students work out their color schemes and patterns. I never let the students draw on their plaster masks until they have completed a practice form.
   
5. Remove the mask from the mold. Draw patterns on mask. Students should let you check their patterns before they start to paint.
6. Paint the mask filling in every space. Emphasize every section should have a design inside of a design.
   

(2) Independent Practice and Check for Understanding: Students have completed a practice sheet of design and then started drawing and painting on their masks.

(3) Closure: Students will complete a plaster mask painted in Oaxacan style of color on color.

Evaluation:

Level One –­­ The student has created an outstanding original designed mask showing their understanding of the elements and principles of design. Their craftsmanship is superior in the construction and painting of the mask.

Level Two –­­ The student has created an original design mask showing their understanding of the elements and principles of design. Their craftsmanship of the mask is solid. Their skill of painting demonstrates a well balanced design. Color and lines are emphasized.

Level Three – The student has created a mask. The construction of the mask shows signs of weak spots and ragged edges. The painting of the mask has poor line quality and weak uses of space.

Level Four – The student has constructed a mask of very poor quality. It shows weak spots, ragged edges, and incomplete layers of plaster. The painting of the mask has very poor line quality and poor color choices.

Extension:

This painting technique can be applied to any surface that can be painted. We’ve used it to paint coffee cans, fins, and coat hangers! Let your imagination be your guide.

Resources:

http://www.oaxacafinecarvings.com/
http://www.vivaoaxacafolkart.com/
http://www.geocities.com/wirebirdphil/
http://www.oaxacanwoodcarving.com/gallextic.html