Animal Relief Sculptures

This is my second year doing these relief sculptures.  The kids really enjoy them, and they turn out cool for everyone.  Last year when I did these, we focused on animals of Africa, in our "Around the World with Ms. Smith" theme.  It is versatile, and would work with many tie-ins.



Before the kids came in, I mixed up a big batch of Claycrete (Amaco Brand), with water.  I like to have it pre-mixed, and I use a mask because of the dust.




I've never tried Celluclay, but I think that comes pre-mixed, and I believe it is similar to this.  You do need to keep it well-wrapped so it does not dry out (I use double ziplock bags), and I know there is also a shelf life to the Celluclay, if you choose to go that route.



On day one I had the kids draw their chosen animal and the environment behind them. This does not typically take a full 45 minutes, so I typically have them do this at the end of a previous lesson,



The next day is spent discussing "relief sculptures" and constructing the 3D faces of their animals.  If there is a student who is more advanced, they can choose to do two animals.



On the third day the animals are all dry and ready for paint.  I have tried acrylics and liquid tempera.  At this level, either one works, but acrylics are better for the lighter colors, in order to cover up the cardboard.



If a student was absent for a part of the lesson, I combine two days in one, by having them sculpt the face and paint the background.  That way the face is dry the next week and easily painted last.



Happy Friday, fellow artists and influencers :)