ART II: KARA WALKER FIGURES
NAME:________________
LESSON FOCUS:
This lesson focuses on creating a watercolor and cut paper image inspired by the work of
artist, Kara Walker.
VOCABULARY:
Background: The part of the picture plane that seems to be farthest from the viewer.
Composition: The way the principles of design are used to organize the elements.
Figure: Human form in a work of art.
Foreground: Part of the picture plane that appears closest to the viewer.
Kara Walker: A contemporary African-American artist, best known for her room sized
cut out figures. Her art centers on violence, sexuality, race, gender and identity.
Mixed-media: A two-dimensional art technique that uses more than one medium, for
example, a crayon and watercolor work.
Proportion: Principle of art concerned with the size relationships of one part to another.
Shape: An element of design that is an enclosed space, having only two-dimensions.
Shapes can be geometric (circle, square, etc.) or organic (free form, with curving and
irregular outlines.
Watercolor: Any paint that uses water as a medium, including acrylic, gouache, casein,
tempera and transparent watercolor. In a more restricted sense, a paint which has gum
Arabic as a vehicle and water as a medium (called transparent watercolor or aquarelle).
Also, a painting done with this paint.
PROCEDURE:
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Look at several examples of Kara Walker’s work for inspiration.
Choose a theme for your figures such as a sport or activity.
o How will they relate to one another?
o How will your background work with this theme?
You may look through magazines or on the internet for references.
Sketch the background onto to watercolor paper lightly in pencil.
Paint the background in watercolor, using a variety of colors and techniques as
needed.
Once your background is finished, choose a color for your figures.
o You may only use one color so choose wisely.
o The figures should stand out against the background (complementary
colors work well).
Sketch your figures onto back side of the colored paper.
Carefully cut the figures using a sharp x-acto knife.
o Be sure to watch your fingers and cut into a piece of mat board.
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You must have at LEAST 5 figures, different sizes.
o Larger figures will appear closer to the viewer than smaller ones.
Play around with the placement of your figures to determine the strongest
composition.
Once you have a well balanced design, carefully glue your figures in place.
o Tacky glue can be sued for the middle and glue sticks used for the limbs
and edges.
o Don’t over glue and try not to smudge the glue or paint.
Use excellent craftsmanship when painting, cutting and gluing.
MATERIALS:
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Reference materials (figures in action)
18”x 24” watercolor paper
watercolor paints (assorted colors)
plastic wrap and salt
water container and water
paper towels
colored construction paper (one color)
x-acto knife (and mat board to cut on)
pencil and eraser
tacky glue, glue stick