CLAY GARGOYLE – Form, Proportion, Exaggeration

Students use Crayola air-dry clay to create a gargoyle and paint it with acrylic paint in a way that simulates stone or concrete.

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CLAY GARGOYLE – Form, Proportion, Exaggeration

Supplies:

  • Crayola Air-Dry Clay - White
  • Crayola Acrylic Paint - 6 Count
  • Crayola Paintbrushes - 5 Count
  • Crayola Sketchbooks - 1 per student
  • Slip
  • Paper Clips - 1 per student
  • Masking Tape
  • Pencils
  • Placemats - 1 per student
  • Paper Towels
 

Steps:

1
Step 1
  1. Make several thumbnail sketches focusing on exaggeration and proportions.
  2. Choose the drawing you like the best to work with.
  3. Draw each part of the gargoyle separately.
2
Step 2
  1. Make all the parts of the gargoyle separately based on the drawings.
  2. Make a pin tool by taping an open paperclip to a pencil or pen.
  3. Use it to cut details into the clay.
3
Step 3
  1. Before joining clay pieces be sure to use the score and slip technique for a secure bond – score the ends of the clay using a toothbrush or the pin tool and then apply slip.
  2. Continue to join all the parts of the gargoyle using the score and slip technique.
4
Step 4
  1. Allow the clay to dry for about a week.
  2. If there are any parts that need to be supported during the drying time use some newspaper or cardboard to prop them up.
5
Step 5
  1. Once the clay is dry paint the entire gargoyle with black acrylic paint.
  2. Allow it to dry for about 15 minutes.
6
Step 6
  1. Dry brush light grey acrylic paint over the black allowing some of the black to show through.
    - This will give the gargoyle the look of stone or concrete.
  2. View the gargoyle with fresh eyes.
    - How does exaggeration add to the gargoyle's personality?
    - How do the proportions create emphasis?
    - How is the craftsmanship evident in the finished artwork?
    - What animals inspired your design?
    - What do you like best about your gargoyle? Why?
  • Subjects:

    • Language Arts,

    • Social Studies,

    • Visual Arts

  • Grades:

    • Grade 7,

    • Grade 8,

    • Grade 9,

    • Grade 10


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