Shape is a basic element in many types of art work. An artist may invent new shapes or use shapes we recognize and see everyday. Some artists focus on one shape and create different compositions with it, by doing a series. A series may include a large number of works; however, they all are variations on the same subject or theme. For example, look for the differences in these works by the American artist, Jim Dine:

These are just three works in a large series by Dine, using the "heart" shape as a theme. In what ways are they alike and different? In the following activity, you will get to create your own "heart" series.

"Heart Collage" by Lois (age 8)
Materials You Need: 12 x 18 inch white paper (the heavier the better); a set of watercolor paints (or tempra paints) along with a water container, two paint brushes (a medium and a large camel hair brush), a paint shirt; newspaper, a sponge, and a pencil. You will also need some colored construction paper (3-4 colors), a glue stick, a pair of scissors, and an assortment of crayons, cray-pas, or markers.

Getting Started: Before you begin painting, think about how you can express different emotions or ideas using the heart shape with different colors, lines, and textures. What colors and lines would you use to express a "broken heart?" What about a "wounded heart" or a "heart in love?"

To begin, put on your paint shirt and lay out the newspaper, the water container, your watercolor paints, and the other materials on the table in front of you. Next, neatly fold the 12 x18 inch sheet of white paper into four sections and then unfold it on top of the newspaper. Fold a small sheet of construction paper (6 x 9 inches) in half and cut a large heart shape out of it.

The Project: Using a pencil, lightly trace around your heart stencil in each section of the large white paper. Try to make each section slightly different by placing the heart in different directions. Next, create a series of four paintings using the heart as a theme.

There are many techniques that you can use to create your series. Try different ideas in each section. In the first section, you might try a "wet-on-wet" technique. With a large brush, apply water to the background around the heart. Next, using the tip of your medium brush, pick up some color from your paint tray and paint dots all over the background area. Notice how the color spreads on the wet surface. Try using other colors. Let this dry while you work on another section.

In the next section, try a "crayon resist" technique. Use a light-colored crayon to outline the heart shape and quickly fill in the heart . Using other light-colored crayons, create a pattern of lines in the background. Next, paint over this section, using dark watercolors. The crayon patterns will show through the watercolors.

Experiment with different ideas, colors and techniques in each section. Try using the sponge to apply color. In other sections, try mixing the colors on the surface. Once a section is dry, you can go over it with crayons, markers or cray-pas to outline the heart or to create different textural patterns.
When your paintings are finished, cut or tear them apart. Pick out your favorite one and glue it on a 9 x 12 inch sheet of colored construction paper. Then, using bits of construction paper, create a "funky" frame for your creation. Only use torn pieces of paper in order to preserve the spontaneity. Glue these pieces on the edges of your painting. Sign and title your creation with a pencil.

Want to Do More? Create an artist book using your heart paintings. See if you can find other works by artists that use the heart as a theme or subject.

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