The hidden image within: high school.

The Art Problem

Students will create a nonobjective painting with multiple media. Once students have finished their painting, they will look within the image to find an area that exposes a secondary image to bring to the surface. Each drawing and painting should be created with spontaneity while utilizing color and design skills.

Guiding Practice

Begin by turning on music that evokes a mood, such as jazz or classical. Give students heavyweight paper or cardboard in a variety of sizes. Have each student select a color scheme and create a nonobjective painted surface inspired by the music. Remind them that this is only a prepared surface and does not have to be a finished work of art.

Once the paintings are completed, place a piece of paper in front of each one. Ask the class if they remember when they were children and looked within the clouds for a hidden image. Now have each student walk around the class and list one object they see within each student's painting on the paper that is placed in the front of the artroom. When students are finished identifying hidden images, they return to their desks to review what other students saw in their painting.

After they brainstorm, ask each student to create a charcoal drawing using the existing shapes within the painting. Remind students to find images that are complex and not too simplistic or trite.

Student Extension

Next, have each student create a five piece series based on their initial drawing. The series should be cohesive in color and theme. Once students have completed their series have them select the strongest pieces for a class critique.

Nicole Brisco, an art teacher at Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas.