High School

How can artists use challenges and limitations to inspire creativity?

Students will create a drawing on a nontraditional, curved surface. Students will use permanent ink without erasing or starting over, adapting their drawings as they work.

• foam coffee cups or disposable paper coffee cups
• fine-point permanent markers or ballpoint pens
• reference videos (see Step One)

Authorʼs Note: I usually teach this lesson when we have a shortened school day. It can typically be completed in 30 to 50 minutes. I also use this lesson when students need a break from the project they are currently working on.

Step 1
Introduce the lesson by showing a YouTube video of artist Cheeming Boey’s process (youtu.be/gWjAd1so2GA). Then share this resource for more examples of Boey’s work: bit.ly/4w2ksCj.

Step 2
Distribute the cups and markers or pens. Ask students to write their initials and class period on the bottom of their cups before they begin.

Step 3
If this activity is an unannounced break, I donʼt have students create a rough draft because it gives them the opportunity to doodle, and expand on their drawings using their imagination. For a planned break, you can ask students to bring printed reference photos.

Step 4
Allow students to explore and draw on the cups. (I usually group the tables together so the entire class is seated at one large table. Students can talk and get to know one another.) Encourage students to add detail and line work to minimize empty white space. Remind students to try their best (no rushing or sloppy work) as everyone will share their finished cups, and the class will take a group photo of the stacked cups at the end of the period.

Step 5
If some students do not finish their designs, their drawings may still be suitable for their Drawing or 2D Design portfolios because they demonstrate a variety of lines, mark-making, contrast, emphasis (if they add a pop of color), balance, repetition, and use of space.

We usually stack the cups together, and I take photos from multiple angles. We discuss which cups demonstrate the strongest contrast or value. I ask, “Which cup or design is the most creative, and why?” and encourage students to explain their reasoning.

Dr. Kathleen Petka is a visual art teacher at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia. kathleen.petka@cobbk12.org