LESSON 3
Making a Layered
Low-Relief Panel
Examine the carving in Figure 12–11.
This is an example of low-relief sculpture.
Low relief is a type of relief sculpture in which
the forms project only slightly from a flat background. In contrast, high-relief sculpture is a
type of relief sculpture in which the forms project
boldly from a flat background. Notice how the
figures in the art object shown here barely
project outward.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
You will create a low-relief panel by
selecting and using a variety of appropriate
art materials and tools to interpret a subject in
traditional and experimental ways. You will
use overlapping to create layers. To do this,
you will glue tag board and thick string to a
mat board surface. You will create an artwork
Figure 12–11 The Mayans had
a sophisticated writing system that has
recently been deciphered. The glyphs, or
picture writing, identify the ruler at that
time, the date, and all the people present
at that event. Analyze this artwork to form
conclusions about historical and cultural
contexts.
Pre-Columbian, Maya. Mexico, Usumacinta
River Valley. Presentation of Captives to a Maya
Ruler. c. 785. Limestone with traces of paint.
115.3 88.9 cm (453⁄8 35). Kimbell Art
Museum, Fort Worth, Texas.
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Chapter 12
Sculpture
integrating themes found through direct observation. You will organize the art elements of
shape, line, and space using informal balance.
Experiment with the elements of line and
shape to create a certain mood in your relief.
Paint your final piece using two colors to unify
the surface of your work.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
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Sketchbook, pencil, and eraser
Mat board, 9 12 inches, scissors
Tag board, thick string or thin cording
White glue, paper towels, newspaper
Spray paint, and/or acrylic paint and
brushes
● Rub-and-buff metallic wax (optional)
● Envelope or sandwich bag
WHAT YOU WILL DO
1. Brainstorm with your class to choose a
theme for your work. You might choose
a nature scene, a still life, or a scene that
tells a story, such as in Figure 12–11.
Research and collect images to fit your
theme.
2. Illustrate ideas by making several
sketches based on your research and by
integrating themes found through direct
observation. Organize shapes, lines and
spaces using informal balance. Keep your
sketches simple. Each shape and figure
will have to be cut out and glued to the
surface.
3. Select your best sketch. Transfer the
shapes used in your sketch onto your
mat board. Using scissors, cut pieces you
plan to use for the background of your
scene. Then cut all the pieces you need
for the foreground. You can use pieces
of thick string or cording to create lines.
Before you glue your cut shapes or lines,
experiment with different arrangements.
Choose the composition you like best.
4. Overlap your cardboard pieces to create a
relief. Glue down the background pieces
first, and then glue the foreground pieces
on top of them. Glue your shapes and
lines in place.
5. Select two colors and paint your relief.
Display your work with those of your
classmates. What similarities and
differences can you find in the works
produced by your classmates?
Evaluating Your Work
● Describe Describe how you made your
relief panel. What materials did you use?
● Analyze Explain how you experimented
with different arrangements. Describe how
you arranged your lines, shapes, and
spaces to create informal balance.
● Interpret Explain what mood your work
conveys. What elements and principles
help convey that mood? How did you
integrate themes found through direct
observation?
● Judge Do you feel you were able to
successfully create a relief panel?
Figure 12–12
Student work. A low-relief panel.
REFLECTIVE THINKING
Critical Evaluation. Analyze the relief panels
of your peers. Form conclusions about formal
properties, such as the way they used line and
shape to create informal balance. Form conclusions about intent. For example, does the image
match what the artist intended?
Click on Web Links at art.glencoe.com to learn more about
Mayan art and culture. There, you
will also find:
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Artist Profiles
Interactive Games
Lesson 3 Making a Layered Low-Relief Panel
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