Exploring history through the arts is a great way for cultural traditions to come alive for students. It is also a great way for students who normally shy away from the arts to find new meaning in their creation. At Sandy Spring Friends School, our 6th grade students recently made their studies of the Maori people in their Social Studies classroom come alive by creating colorful art pieces in their arts class. By drawing self-portraits and Maori style tattoos (known as Ta Moko), the students were able to learn about the meaning of the various patterns used by the Maori while also building upon their understanding of symmetry and color schemes.
Follow the steps below so you and your children can create pieces of art that will inspire you to learn more about the Maori people and their culture!
Step One: Take a Selfie.
Take your best selfie using the Be Funky App. Use the sketch effect to change the image, and maximize the effect to create a high contrast. Print the final image on an 11x17 inch paper.
Step Two: Trace.
Take your 11x17 inch paper and place a piece of watercolor paper of the same size on top. Using a light box, trace the outline of your face – making sure to trace each detail (i.e. the outline of your teeth, the lines in your hair, etc.). Be sure to avoid tracing the background. (Be sure to recycle the printed paper when you’re done tracing it!)
Step Three: Create a Color Barrier.
Using latex drawing gum and a paintbrush, paint the outline of your face to create a color barrier on the watercolor paper. This will create a nice clean border and prevent the water colors from bleeding into the background. Let the drawing gum dry for 24 hours before proceeding.
Step Four: Get out the Water Colors.
Choose a warm or cool color scheme for your face, then use the alternate color scheme for the background to create an impactful contrast. Lightly wet the section of the watercolor paper that makes up your selfie and keep the background dry (this will help to prevent bleeding into other areas). Begin painting! Once you’re done with the first section, let it dry before starting on the background.
Step Five: Remove Drawing Gum.
After the watercolor has completely dried, gently rub off the gum with your finger. Under the gum you may see some pencil lines - you can either simply erase the lines or fill in the lines with a black Sharpie.
Step Six: Draw the Tattoo.
Take a piece of 11x17 inch transparent paper and place it on top of the watercolor paper. Using the Maori tattoo meanings as inspiration, draw your design. (You may want to practice on a plain piece of paper first to get the design just right.)
Step Seven: Connect and Enjoy!
Connect the transparent paper to the water color paper with transparent tape. Frame, hang, and enjoy your beautiful new piece of art!
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Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) is a progressive, coed, college preparatory Quaker school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Learn more about our Arts Program at http://www.ssfs.org/arts/index.aspx.