Gargoyles, Grotesques and Chimeras
3D Design
You will be creating your own gargoyle, grotesque or chimera. You can focus on the face or the entire
structure of the animal/creature. If you imagine this piece as part of the facade of a building, your focus
will primarily be from one perspective. If you would like to include more of the body of the creature,
think about how your piece will be viewed in the round (from all sides).
1. Research some animals that you would like to base your design on. Do you want to combine
animals? Are there certain attributes of these animals that you would like to include? Is there
a specific animal you like or are drawn to?
2. Create a page in your sketchbook with images, sketches, notes and plans for your
design. Explore how you can change your image by altering a specific feature? For example, by
just changing the shape and size of the eyes, you can completely change the mood/expression
of your piece.
3. Stylize the features. Decide which feature will be the emphasis of your piece. Will it be the
eyes, the mouth, another feature?
4. How can you use other elements to bring attention to your focal point? For example, folds
around the eyes will bring more attention to the eyes.
5. Build your base of your sculpture using newspaper and masking tape. You can also use pieces
of chipboard to add features.
6. Add celluclay to the surface of your base. You can sculpt the celluclay to further define the
features.
7. When your piece is completely built and dry, add paint to emphasize the form of your
sculpture. Shades in crevices will help emphasize the depths and highlights on high points will
also bring dimension to the form.
Gargoyles, Grotesques and Chimeras Rubric
Mrs. Brown
3D Design
Name_____________________________________________________ Class/Block ________________
CRITERIA
(WHAT WAS EXPECTED)
Form:
A solid base form was
created and constructed.
Features/details are
added to create
character/interest and
expression.
Space:
Positive and negative
features are created to
give the face dimension.
Exaggerated features
(big and/or small) are
included. Details help
create an area of
emphasis.
Value:
Tints and shades have
been applied
appropriately to accent
facial features and to
emphasize the form.
Craftsmanship/Media:
Work is well organized
and well presented.
Effective use of
materials, edges are
clearly defined and well
sculpted, student
displays an attention to
detail.
Effort:
Used class time
effectively, followed
directions, paid
attention to central
ideas of the lesson,
cleaned up work space.
Total Points:
Grade:
Teacher Comments
EXCEEDS
EXPECTATIONS
(100-90)
MET
EXPECTATIONS
(89-80)
APPROACHING
EXPECTATIONS
(79-70)
DID NOT MEET
REQUIRED
EXPECTATIONS/IN
COMPLETE
(69 AND UNDER)
10-9
8-9
7-8
6 or below
10-9
8-9
7-8
6 or below
10-9
8-9
7-8
6 or below
10-9
8-9
7-8
6 or below
10-9
8-9
7-8
6 or below
SELF SCORE
TEACHER
SCORE
Your total
Teacher’s total
/60
/60