   The Utter Zoo Alphabet by Edward Gorey, Pomegranate Communications, Inc., Petaluma, CA, 1967. Check it out! The Plinkerflott was inspired by Edward Gorey's delightful little book, The Utter Zoo Alphabet characters inspired by Edward Gorey's wonderful little book from the 1960s. Gorey designed the Broadway set for the 1977 Broadway production of Dracula, and his Goth, morosely humorous pen and ink images have earned him a huge following.
One of my favorite art lessons (aren't they all my favorites?) sprang from this book. For the lesson, I ditch the macabre and keep the funny. Using chalk pastels, students make a big abstract mark on the page, as simple or complex as they like, practice their blending skills to manipulate its shape and color, then add features (eyes, ears, horns, wings, claws, wheels, slingshots....), to create a character. Finally, they write a few words to develop the character even further. Then we have a blast sharing them at the end of class!
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 These were my first characters for Mask-a-Rade, each experiencing a mask-fail moment. Except the raccoon. He got it right (in this picture, at least). I used a painted paper collage and dental floss. |
AuthorThe raccoon gesturing to a blank space is a reflection of my stunning ability to not draw, except when I'm teaching, for weeks at a time. Here I am, showing you...nothing! Ta da! But thanks to Covid, I've had some time to start fiddling around with pencils. It's fun to do, so I thought it might be fun to look at. ArchivesCategories
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