2011 Abstract Expressionism Plaster Cast

Jackson Pollock Leader of the Abstract Expressionistic Movement. Credited for Making New York the Mecca for what is new in art shifting it from Europe.

Pollock 9 Mural Oil on canvas ’x20’

Pollock Shimmering Substance 1946

Ed Tajchman 2007

Gresha n 2010

Rex Ray

2010

Kazuya Akimoto 2006

Kimberly Conrad

Wassily Kandinsky

Michael D. Edens 2007

Franz Kline, 1958

Kazuya Akimoto, 2003

Chidi Okoye, 2010

Ann Etheridge, 2010

Getting ideas for Abstract Expressionism Look for doodles that are nonobjective, Drawings that do not depict anything. If you do not doodle, draw symbols that represent your personality, anger, frustration, etc.

Ideas Nonobjective Not pictorial Use more than one, combine doodles

Ideas Anything that you doodle is abstract expressionistic.

Ideas These doodles are moments of self expression.

Making the clay mold You must have both positive and negative space.

Clay Mold What is positive in the clay will be negative in the plaster.

Clay Mold What is negative in the clay will be positive in the plaster.

Clay Mold The mold should be an inch or more thick so it does not dry out.

Clay Mold Make sure that areas that are cut in the clay are clean so it is picked up by the plaster. No undercuts.

Clay Mold Whether positive or negative you can not have undercuts.

Measuring chip board For the sides of the mold you will use chipboard. Measure the highest point of the clay mold and add 2 inches.

Making the side of mold Make sure you cut board straight.

Secure the mold Use masking tape to secure the mold to the casting area.

Sides of mold Make sure the clay meets the sides of chip board.

Identify your work Write your name on side.

Pouring and mixing With the recommended amount of water--ask me, add plaster.

Pouring and mixing Add plaster till you get an island that does not sink.

Mixing Mix all the plaster till you get rid of the clumps.

Mixing If the plaster coats your hand, you have enough to pour. If it is running and looks like milk you need to add more and mix quickly.

Pouring Begin to add the plaster to mold, while checking for leaks.

Pour Pour plaster into mold till you get to the top or close to the top.

Air bubbles You can tap the sides to reduce the amount of air pockets that might be at the bottom

It’s leaking! It’s not my fault! Paper towels can be used to stop leaks. Even if your mind thinks you have done everything right you may have made one mistake.

It’s as tight as drum Obviously not.

Leak Leave the paper towel there.

The next day Remove the entire mold. Clean the area you cast.

Clean mold Remove chip board

Clean up mold Separate clay

Clean up mold The clay will be reclaimed.

Clean up mold Remove clay from plaster. Remove plaster from clay.

Clean mold You must remove as much of the clay and remaining chip.

Chip board Some of you may have to scrape the remaining chip board with a knife.

Watercolor Using analogous colors Use newspaper

Watercolor I am allergic to newspaper. Watercolors stain

Water color Controlling the amount or water. Less water--opaque more--transparent.

Analogous Yellow, blue, greens

Analogous Red, yellow, oranges

Analogous Red, blue,violets

Writing assignment You will be required to complete a written evaluation of the work. Please refer to the file for that information.

Evaluation 50 Texture 50 Form 50 Rhythm/Movement 50 Follow objectives 50 Work Ethic 250 Total

Clear Finish There are two finishes that can be applied, both are clear. It must not have any moisture--if it feels cool or moist do not apply. Finish does not have to be on for grading.