Altered Art Paintings - (Art Teacher Files)

As a private art instructor, my latest "project" with my students has been an altered art painting with text.  The original idea was to use sticker letters on a shiny paper, such as a map, and paint over the whole paper white, dry, then lift off the letters to reveal the map or print.  It was basically what is called a "masking technique".  However, I decided to change it.  I didn't have the letters, but I have a lot of stencils and letter stamps.  I wanted to use what I had.

We began during our first session by using acrylic paints, and the students altered and painted the backgrounds using various texture and painting techniques.  They particularly enjoyed laying bubble wrap and textured paper towel in the wet paint.  

The first painting below, was completed by using letter stamps with black acrylic paint.

The second student used stencils, sharpies and vintage music paper to create the letters.

 The Boyfriend refers to a popular song, so the sheet music worked well.  Although, I am not a Justin Bieber fan, allowing the students to bring some element of what they love, and then transform it into art, brings students into a deeper experience with the process.  It helps them "connect".
Any words, phrases, lyrics, quotes could be used in a project like this.  The letters could be made out of wrapping paper, maps, sheet music, old cookbook paper, the possibilities are endless.   The letters were glued on with acrylic matte medium and sealed with matte varnish.
Both of the students were very happy with their pieces and are going to hang them in their room.