African Masks
Kindergarten April Art Project
West Mercer Elementary Art Enrichment Program
Today’s Project
• What kind of mask
would you like to make?
• Heal the sick
• Make crops grow
• Protect people
• Celebrate an event
• Show courage of
wisdom
• Honor elders
Step 1 – Face Sketch
•
Think of the expression
the eyes and mouth will
have based on the type
of mask they are
making.
• Draw facial features
onto sketch paper
–
–
–
–
eyes
Nose
Mouth
Draw big facial
features- cover the
entire oval.
Step 2 – Trace
• Place sketch of face over the
foil covered oval
• trace the features with the
handle of the paintbrush
• press firmly so that the indent
is transferred to the foil
• Remove sketch paper.
• Still using the paintbrush
handle, retrace the facial
features and add design details
to the rest of the face on
cheeks, chin and forehead.
Step 3 – Color
• Place sketch of face over the
foil covered oval
• trace the features with the
handle of the paintbrush
• press firmly so that the indent
is transferred to the foil
• Remove sketch paper.
• Still using the paintbrush
handle, retrace the facial
features and add design details
to the rest of the face on
cheeks, chin and forehead.
• Use permanent markers to
color and decorate.
Step 4 - Hair
• Punch holes along top
half edge of oval ½” in
from edge.
• Thread pipe cleaners
and/or raffia through
holes and gently twist
or tie to secure. This
is the “hair.”
• You also may add
beads, if desired.
Step 5- Finished Mask
• Make sure your name
is visible on the back
and then you are all
done!