Expression Gourds

I took inspiration from the funny faces on the pumpkins in this art lesson from Deep Space Sparkle. I wanted a lesson that was Autumnal and helped my students to better understand the concept of facial expression in art work. 

On Day 1 of the project we talked about gourds and I brought a bunch of real gourds in to examine with our eyes, noses, and fingers. We made some funky paste paper with some bright Fall colors hand-mixed with cornstarch to give the paint texture. We used some recycled cut plastic hand tools to make repetitive line patterns in the wet paint.

On Day 2, I put some trays with scraps of black and white paper on each table and jumped right into deconstructing the idea of facial expression. When I teach expression, I focus only on mouth and eyebrow placement. I made this poster which displays my good friend Rex with detachable eyebrow and mouth shapes. I use Rex to demonstrate how the direction our eyebrows are drawn sends a very specific emotive impression. I have students come up and take turns matching his facial features to a feeling.

The Rex-pression chart showing angry, surprised, thoughtful, and frustrated.

I totally love how thoughtful these expressions turned out. Way to go 2nd Grade!