Print-making - Jasper Johns

A famous quote by Jasper Johns (1930-present) is, "Do something, do something to that, and then do something to that." It reflects the growth of art and his contribution to art exploration. It also coincides with a certain theme at our own Horizon Elementary, "Going Above and Beyond." All this means is to start something and add to it... don't give up till you've learned or tried something new.

Jasper Johns is famous for 2D work but then adding something to it to make it more 3D like wax on canvas. He also was great at print-making (using a block and stamping). On February 15, 2011 Jasper Johns received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, becoming the first painter or sculptor to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom since Alexander Calder in 1977. Why do you think he received this award?

Project Sheet

Today like Jasper Johns you will use a technique of print making but instead of blocks and paint we will use stencils for a map, target, flag, numbers, or popular US symbols. This is a multi-media piece - stencil, crayon and watercolor.

Shape - Use wax crayons to outline your chosen shape -US (map), target (circles), flags (use rulers), or numbers (stencils)
Crayon - Add!! Design something that adds to the shape by making it your own from Step 1 with crayons
Watercolor - Add!! Use the watercolor however you wish with bold/thin lines or fill in to add.
More! - Feel free to add more that moves you to this however you think and time allows but you must start with a shape above.

What could you do with rulers, what could you do with scissors, can you crayon over dried watercolor?

And then time is up!!!

Prep Notes:

Large tagboard can be used for space for stencils or normal paper. Art chairs should check the stencil options for maps and numbers, etc and for amounts per class to use.

Supplies List: Tag board, Name Tags, Crayons, Water Color, Paint brushes, Water cups, Dry Racks, and Stencils (as desired)