ART III: CUT PAPER SEASONS
NAME:_______________________
LESSON FOCUS:
This lesson focuses on creating two cut paper artworks depicting a seasonal theme using
black construction paper and one accent color.
VOCABULARY:
Negative space: The area around the objects in a painting, sometimes called the
background.
Paper cutting: The art of cutting paper designs. The art has evolved uniquely all over the
world and includes Chinese paper cutting, Japanese kirie/kirigami, Indian sanjhi, German
scherenchnitte, Mexican papal picado, and silhouette art.
Positive space: The objects in a work of art as opposed to the background or space
around the objects.
Shape: An element of design that is an enclosed space, having only two dimensions.
Shapes can be geometric (triangle, square, etc.) or organic (free-form, with curving and
irregular outlines).
Silhouette: A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile,
filled in with a solid color: silhouettes are usually cut from black paper and fixed on a
light background. An outline that appears dark against a light background.
Space: An element of design that indicates areas in a painting (positive and negative);
also, the feeling of depth in a two-dimensional work of art.
PROCEDURE:
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After examining the art of Nikki McClure and other cut paper artists, choose 2
seasons you would like to depict using cut paper imagery.
Do several sketches and keep in mind you must use on accent color in each piece.
When you have decided on a season and a composition, create a detailed drawing
to plan the paper cut.
o Remember, you can only use one sheet of black paper so everything must
be connected – no black shapes can be “floating” in space.
When your drawing is complete, lay tracing paper on top and trace all lines using
a sharpie marker.
Turn the tracing paper over and place black construction paper underneath.
o Secure the edges with tape.
o Using an x-acto knife, carefully cut your image. Remember to place a
piece of cardboard or mat board underneath you while cutting. For straight
edges, use a cork backed ruler to prevent slipping.
Use glue to back the black paper cut image on white paper.
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o If you are using an accent color, cut it appropriately and affix it between
the white and black layers.
Repeat all steps to create a second piece that depicts another season.
MATERIALS:
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11”x 14” sketch paper
11”x 14” white drawing paper (2 sheets)
11”x 14” black construction paper (2 sheets)
assorted construction paper (accent colors)
tracing paper
x-acto knife
pencil
eraser
spray adhesive/glue stick
RELATED ARTISTS:
Nikki McClure, Kako Ueda, Patrick Gannon, Peter Callesen, Shoto Kimura
Nikki McClure
Kako Ueda
Patrick Gannon
Peter Callesen
Shoto Kimura