How to Make Clay Dragons
Hand Building Sculpture Dragons is Engaging and Fun
Students usually find making dragons fun. They become engaged in the lesson because the subject matter is a modern and the topic of fantasy is close to their hearts.
Introducing a Clay Dragon Art Lesson
Suggest that students place the words dragon and Elfwood into the search bar of Google.com. They will find a range of fantastic resources from which to choose. Allow them to roam Elfwood.com freely as it has galleries that consist of entire dragon-related worlds. These ways of seeing dragons will activate their imaginations and inspire their own artwork. The vast variety of fantasy drawing styles will also give them plenty of stimulation when they come to designing their clay sculpture.
Types of Materials for Clay Dragons
When you read the directions about how to make Scrap Clay Dragons, you will see that polymer clay allows the artists to create very small dragons with lots of detail. It is a very versatile medium, and the bright colours make the subject matter appealing to young students.
If you cannot afford clay of this quality, try this recipe for Salt Clay. The finished piece of clay work will be more rough and ready than it would be if made with other store bought clay mediums. You can colour the clay with vegetable dye and once varnished the appearance will be attractive. It is a safe non-toxic and versatile medium.
Those teachers who have a kiln and who teach older students may prefer to use hand building clay. This process is a little more complex, so be sure to read Teaching About The Qualities of Clay. Be sure that you have researched how to handle, store and prepare the artwork for firing and glazing.
Choosing a Style for Dragon Sculptures
Planning for simplicity is essential if you are working with young students. In his Gallery of Dragons, Andrew displays very simple dragon shapes that have been enhanced by colour and the addition of tiny collage objects such as stones and earrings.
Even older students should be encouraged to start by building simple dragons that combine simple shapes. The dragons can become more complex and elaborate as students master the skills of hand building and embellishment.
Practical Practice Before Drawing Dragon Designs
Allow the students to practice techniques by giving them a small amount of clay that will later be recycled. The purpose of having a dummy run is to give them the chance to develop a rapport with the medium. It is good for them to experience aspects of hand building so that they can see what manipulations will be hard for them and which techniques can be managed much more easily.
Practical research will influence the way they draw up their design. Discourage them from becoming involved in the drawing session for drawing's sake alone. If you were to allow them to design intricate and elaborate drawings before they practice with the clay, they may end up with a difficult pattern. Failure to follow through, because the task was too hard, may discourage some and they may end up hating the thought of clay work forever.
So that the students enjoy the process without experiencing too much frustration, set out to keep it simple. Be sure to choose the most appropriate material so that students have plenty of time. Plan your time so that the class is not rushed. Remember that if you are going to fire the work, there will be the need for more preparation and you will need to plan after care of the work more thoroughly.
Handbuilding clay dragons is not only engaging and enjoyable. If students were to adopt this style of work as a hobby it would help them master their drawing skills and learn about design. In this way artists would enhance their ability to manipulate clay medium. As they grow in confidence, students would come to adopt a style of their own.
