Exploring Abstract Art
This sequential learning strategy involved offering a complementary activity to support and deepen the learning experience that was happening at other times and other spaces in the community.  In this case, our studio work paralleled a timeline project that was being offered as a story telling activity in the Assisted Living Sunroom.  The timeline project, invited residents to share personal stories about significant events that shaped life in America in the 20th century. Picasso being the most dominating force in the art world at the beginning of that time made cubism a logical place to begin our journey into exploring abstract art. 

Understanding Cubism: still life on blue paper

This process began with warm up exercises using a soft blue lead pencil to explore the difference between drawing with the intention of one continual line and drawing using quick gestural marks. We tried expressing emotions like joy, confusion, courage, with our blue pencils, and practiced using a one-point perspective. Then we attempted to draw a cubist style still life. These chalk and charcoal drawings on blue paper were the participants first attempt.  When the elders dove into the process without trepidation, it was clear that the “ish” experience had a lasting effect on the group. The barrier of “I’m not an artist” was gone. 

Next, we explored the concepts of abstract expressionism using acrylic paint. We began with an under painting using only shades of blue. The following week another layer of paint was added allowing the artists to use colors of their choice.  Eventually, they would add layers of texture via paper collage. Lack of space and time impeded our progress, 

Abstract Expressionism | Week One: blue under-painting

Abstract Expressionism | Week Two: adding color

​Gelli Print Land

Keeping in step with the 20th century timeline project, we wrapped-up our exploration of the modern art movement with a process that mirrored the era of mass production.  Mono-printing on gelatin plates is a fun and super easy process for creating colorful abstract designs on paper. In a short amount of time, although we had barely scratched the surface in discovering the versatility and potential of this new art medium, piles, and piles, and piles of printed pages were produced. An abundant supply of material to work with is a good thing in an art studio. We closed out the year using it in collage work, relief sculptures, mobiles and origami. 

In The Art of Expression: Story Matters

This presentation is appropriate for those in the role of developing and implementing arts engagement for older adults.

It features an overview of creative aging research and demonstrates best practice arts programming for older adults adults.