Elementary

How can shapes be arranged to create a meaningful image?

Students will use cutting and pasting techniques to arrange overlapping shapes and depict a hand holding a bouquet of flowers.

• reproduction of Bouquet of Peace by Pablo Picasso
• reference images of flower bouquets
• 12 x 18" (30 x 46 cm) paper (background)
• 3 x 15" (8 x 38 cm) green paper (for stems)
• 3 x 4" (8 x 10 cm) colored paper (for flowers)
• 6 x 6" (15 x 15 cm) paper in a variety of skin tones
• scissors
• glue

Step 1
View and discuss a reproduction of Pablo Picassoʼs Bouquet of Peace, 1958. Then view and discuss images of flower bouquets.

Step 2
Provide sheets of paper in a variety of skin tones. Have students trace one hand on paper (either by themselves or with the assistance of a partner), then cut it out.

Step 3
Guide students to cut thin strips from the green paper to create flower stems.

Step 4
Have students cut and assemble shapes from colored paper to create flowers, then glue them onto the stems.

Step 5
Instruct students to arrange the stems and flowers into a bouquet and glue them onto the background paper.

Step 6
Have students create a sleeve shape from colored paper and glue it so it looks like the hand is emerging from a sleeve.

Step 7
Encourage students to add details to the hand and arm, such as fingernails, patterns, and jewelry.

Were lines and shapes cut and glued to make flowers? Did students use overlapping? Was the hand placed to look like it was holding the flowers? Were details used?

Wendy Libby is an art teacher for the Bangor School Department in Bangor, Maine.