Easy Abstract Paper Relief

Easy Abstract Paper Relief Project

Time: 1-2 Class Periods
Difficulty: Easy
Cleanup: Soap & Water

Materials:

12x18" Mixed Media Paper

Black Card Stock

Tempera or Acrylic Paint

Glue

Paintbrushes

Step 1
Crumple a piece of 12x18" mixed media paper into a ball with your hands. Twist it, roll it, crush it, stretch it – whatever you want! Unfold the paper gently and look for interesting, abstract shapes.
Step 2
Glue the top edge of the mixed media paper to a sheet of 8-1/2 x 11" black card stock, compressing as necessary so the 12x18" paper fits on the card stock base – this will give the paper volume. Glue the bottom edge of the mixed media paper to the card stock in the same way.
Step 3
Continue shaping the paper with your hands, creating interesting 3D effects by bending, folding or creasing as desired. Glue areas in place as necessary.
Step 4
Paint your relief with tempera to highlight the different forms. Our example uses a simple black and white scheme.
Optional Tip
Experiment with a limited color palette. Or, use a lot of colors for Abstract Expressionism.