Frottage: Beginners
Summary
Drawing
Frottage, or the process of creating art through texture rubbings, is an exciting tool that can be used with a variety of media. Experiment with texture, play with the elements of composition and shape, try different mark making materials, and layer colors to create unique pieces. In this lesson, students will use frottage to create a very basic landscape.
Essential Terms
Frottage: the technique or process of taking a rubbing from an uneven surface to form the basis of a work of art
Composition: the nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up.
Texture: the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance
Landscape: all the visible features of an area of countryside or land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal
Horizon Line: the apparent line that separates earth from sky
Foreground: the part of a view that is nearest to the observer, especially in a picture or photograph
Background: the area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it
Objectives
Students will be able to create a rubbing.
Students will be able to create a variety of textures from surfaces around their house and throughout their community.
Students will be able to create a horizon line in their artwork.
Master Artist / Historical References
Max Ernst
Age Level(s)
5 - 6 years old, 7 - 9 years old
Needed Materials
9 x 12” 50-60Lb Paper
Wax Crayons
Learning Path
Beginner
Intermediate
Downloads
Project Instructions (PDF)
Attributions
Virtual Learning Project Developer: Augustine Smith
Curriculum Developer: Tamah Minnis
Step 1
Lay out materials and unwrap crayons.
Step 2
Create a test sheet to practice frottage without a set composition. This is a great place to find textures before applying them to your final image.
Step 3
The first step in creating any 2D artwork is choosing the orientation of your paper. We often call a paper “landscape style” when the long edge is horizontal and “portrait” when the long edge is vertical. Make sure to start this project with your paper “landscape style.”
Step 4
Start with the foreground of your landscape. Use your mark making tool to lay in the bottom section of your piece.
Step 5
Use yellows or oranges to create a sun.
Step 6
Create a sky using a different color of crayon or colored pencil to do a rubbing of a different surface!
Step 7
Use other surfaces to create textured elements of your landscape like trees or a building.
Step 8
Play around with different colors and ideas - this art piece is yours, so make it your own!
Step 1
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Finished artwork
Bonus Tips
Avoid using the tip of your crayon or colored pencil to create harsh outlines. Outlines can break up a dynamic drawing and flatten the whole composition. Experiment with creating shape and form without these outlines.
