Middle School

Artwork by Bobbie M., grade seven.

How can students use knowledge of color schemes and layered images to explore the artwork and architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser?

Students will create an abstract transautomatism piece inspired by the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

9 x 12" (23 x 30 cm) painting paper, sketchbooks, pencils, permanent markers, watercolors, colored pencils and washable markers

1. Introduce students to the colorful, surreal art and architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Discuss the use of color schemes, patterns, and layered imagery.
2. Students use their sketchbooks to explore ways of layering nature, human, and architectural elements in several thumbnail sketches.
3. Students start on the painting paper and sketch one layer, outlining it in permanent marker and painting it with watercolors. Students sketch another layer using a different theme or element, outlining it in permanent marker and painting it with a different color.
4. Have students flip their papers upside-down and draw another layer, repeating the process from step three.
5. Students fill the remainder of the negative space with concentric lines or patterns and paint them with another color scheme. For an added touch, students can use colored pencils or markers for another layer of lines or details.

Students participate in a group discussion, focusing on the dynamic use of color and imagery. Ask students to interpret the many different layers. Students will be graded on use of color, space, and artistry.

Emily May-Ragland is an art teacher at North Middle School in Winchester, Tennessee.