Amate Bark 3D Paintings

We began this lesson by sketching three different types of traditional landscapes: a mountain-scape, a seascape and a desert-scape. We focused on creating three distinct areas by showing the foreground, middle ground and background. By making sure our landscape details progressively got smaller as they went back into space, we created depth and perspective. The idea of how artists show atmospheric perspective was discussed at length as well.

Once we had a good understanding of how to create a realistic landscape, we decided to switch it up a bit and use unrealistic, florescent color. By using a dull background like our gray bogus paper, the colors pop off the page. Outlining in black Sharpie also adds to the 3D effect, especially when viewed through 3D glasses.

Wow! 3D Amate paintings are looking good!

Today, we wrapped up the last bits of painting and outlining on our Amate bark painting. Using simple color theory of cool colors receding and warm colors advancing we were able to achieve a 3D effect with our "prism" glasses. Too bad the 3D effect doesn't work online!

Amate bark painting in 7th grade

Here is the start of our first painting project in 7th grade. Our inspiration comes from the Amate bark paintings of Mexico. These artworks combine vibrant colors with detailed black outlining on a pounded fig-bark background. Check out this youtube video showing the process of an Amate artwork.

We began this lesson by sketching three different types of traditional landscapes: a mountain-scape, a seascape and a desert-scape (see slides posted below). We focused on creating three distinct areas by showing the foreground, middle ground and background. By making sure our landscape details progressively got smaller as they went back into space, we created depth and perspective.

Once we had a good understanding of how to create a realistic landscape, we decided to switch it up a bit! Instead of creating depth, we "stacked" our images to create a layered look and added a continuous winding road to add unity and movement to our work. These paintings will also use color theory to appear three-dimensional when viewed through 3D glasses.

Check back soon to see the finished paintings!