Skeletal Abstractions
1. Get inspired! Artist Georgia O'Keeffe painted a series of animal skulls and shells while living in New Mexico. She often paired the neutral colors of the bone to a vibrant background. Take a look below at some of O'Keeffe's paintings.
2. Practice. Notice how Georgia O'Keeffe selects a portion of the bone. She crops her subject for an interesting composition. Use a viewfinder (provided in class). Extend your arm, close one eye and select a portion of the skeleton that is most interesting to you.
Click here for the skeleton portion project sheet.
3. Shade. With a number of drawing pencils, shade areas of medium darks and darks on your bones.
4. Background. Choose a bright, vibrant background to contrast the neutral bones. Take a look at student examples below.
Click here for the skeleton portion project sheet.
3. Shade. With a number of drawing pencils, shade areas of medium darks and darks on your bones.
4. Background. Choose a bright, vibrant background to contrast the neutral bones. Take a look at student examples below.
Alternate Project: Try the skeletons on cardboard and use oil pastel for shading. Try out acrylic paint techniques for the background. Take a look how this variation turned out. See student examples below.
5. Completed? Click here for the Self Evaluation Sheet and the Artist Statement Template.