Introduction & Inspiration

• View examples of cardboard relief art and mixed-media portraiture.
  
  

• Discuss how portraits can symbolize identity beyond physical likeness.
  
  

Relief Exploration Mini-Study

• Students create a 4x4 cardboard tile with three different surface treatments (flat, peeled, cut, corrugated in multiple directions).
  
  

• This introduces relief-specific textures and plane variety.
  
  

Artist Choice & Research

• Students select an artist who inspires them.
  
  

• Research and collect 3–5 images of their work and one photo of the artist.
  
  

• Identify 2–3 key characteristics of the artist’s style.
  
  

Translating Style into Cardboard

• In sketchbooks, students brainstorm how the artist’s style could be reinterpreted through cardboard:
  
  

  • Example: Van Gogh’s brushstrokes → strips of corrugated cardboard.
    
    

  • Mondrian’s blocks → flat, layered shapes.
    
    

Symbolism Brainstorm

• Students create a mind map of objects, motifs, or ideas connected to their artist.
  
  

• Choose at least one symbolic element to integrate into the portrait.
  
  

Class Texture Library

• Students experiment with cutting, peeling, folding, scoring, and rolling cardboard.
  
  

• Contribute samples to a class “texture wall” for reference.
  
  

Sketch & Plan

• Create 2–3 thumbnail sketches for portrait composition.
  
  

• Incorporate symbolic elements and artist-inspired textures.
  
  

Building the Relief

• Cut, layer, and attach cardboard to build the portrait.
  
  

• Emphasize variation in depth, corrugation direction, and texture.
  
  

Mid-Process Critique: Depth & Plane Check

• Gallery walk: peers leave sticky-note feedback on where depth and texture are effective and where more variety could be added.
  
  

Details & Refinement