Create an abstract drawing inspired by the work of Luis Cruz Azaceta.
Download Activity
Luis Cruz Azaceta is a Cuban American artist. He lived in New York, where he graduated from The School of Visual Arts and began his long career as an artist. Azaceta moved to New Orleans in 1992. In the years that followed, his work moved gradually toward abstraction. Formally, he began a deeper exploration of visual tensions, wrestling discord into harmony through color, line, and material. Azaceta developed parallel series in several media at once, combining materials in unexpected ways. He works constantly and is extremely prolific. For Azaceta, art is a way of facing the world and addressing the human condition.
Supplies
Paper, Markers, Ink pens
Instructions
Step 1: Look at Luis Cruz Azaceta’s artwork, Surge II (Hurricane Sandy). Think about how he uses color, and how he shows the relationship between our surroundings and the environment. Notice what elements he uses- water, trees, buildings.
Step 2: Abstract art will often use lines, shapes, and colors to create an image. For Luis Cruz Azaceta, he uses the larger-than-life imagery of Hurricane Sandy. Think about what environmental elements have impacted your life. How does the environment change when it rains or snows? What environment will you draw?
Step 3: Luis Cruz Azaceta is known for bold lines. Use a black pen to outline your drawing. Think about the composition of your work and where you want things to go. How will you arrange your scene? What kind of impact will your environment have on the scene? Is your drawing a rainstorm, a day at the beach, or a snowy day?
Step 4: With your markers, color in your outline. Think about Luis Cruz Azaceta’s use of bold colors and how many different colors can be found in his art. Can you name them all? Will you use bright or dark colors in your drawing?
Step 5: Add detail to your drawing! Go back in with your black pen and give your art some extra texture or lines.
Step 6: Great job! You’ve created an abstract drawing! Show your friends and family your amazing creation! Tell them all about the environment you created!
Vocabulary
Abstract art– Artwork that incorporates line, shape, and color to create an image.
Composition- The arrangements of elements within an artwork.
Line– A mark made by a brush, pen, pencil or stick.
Texture– The way the surface of an object would feel.
SEE LUIS CRUZ AZACETA’S SURGE II (HURRICANE SANDY) IN LUIS CRUZ AZACETA: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD AT OGDEN MUSEUM.
CHECK OUT THE O-BLOG FOR MORE RESOURCES!
QUESTIONS? EMAIL education@ogdenmuseum.org.
