5 sessions; 45 minutes per session

1. SWBAT draw their hands using blind contour, continuous line and "wrong" hand techniques.
2. SWBAT transfer observational skills to sculpt a life-size and lifelike hand out of clay.
3. SWBAT properly glaze their fired sculptures.

1. Newsprint
2. Drawing utensils (pencils are fine but sometimes pens are easier to make a continuous line)
3. Clay (roughly a pound per student)
4. Clay sculpting tools
5. Glaze

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. Observational drawing- 1 class
-talk about the importance of observation in art making and how it carries over as a lifeskill
-explain and demonstrate drawing exercises one at a time: continuous line, "wrong" hand (ex: lefties draw with right hands), and blind contour.
-give homework assignment of doing one observational drawing with one of the techniques at home for practice.
2. Show video/Sculpt hands- 2-3 classes
-Use video clip from Ceramic Arts Daily to illustrate the steps. Play one chunk at a time, pause video while students catch up, then repeat.
-Start with slab about the same thickness as your hand
-Trace outline of hand on clay and cut out, saving scraps.
-Trim thickness away from fingers and palm where necessary
-Add shape, creases, and details to front and back of hands.
-Decide how hand will be displayed. Add a base or shape hand/fingers as desired
3. Firing
-bisque fire when bone dry
-apply glaze as directed to hand sculptures then fire again to complete.

Students were assessed on observational skills, craftsmanship, and expressive qualities.

1. Video from Ceramic Arts Daily http://ceramicartsdaily.org/bookstore/figure-sculpting-in-clay-with-melisa-cadell/
2. Blog post http://www.katiemorrisart.com/2015/12/observing-hands-in-2-and-3-dimensions.html

I used this lesson as an observational exercise for my 8th grade students but it would work just as well with high school.

[5-8] Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas

[9-12 Proficient] Students apply media, techniques, and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks

Form, Line, Proportion/Size

Ceramics, Drawing