Retablos
Make a retablo about a meaningful place or memory!
Medium:Mixed Media
Ages: 8+
Safety Considerations: Adults should use hot glue gun
Time:1-2 hours
Description: Get inspired by mixed media artist Nicario Jimenez and create a “retablo” or diorama about a meaningful place or memory. A retablo is a sophisticated type of folk art in the form of portable boxes filled with brightly colored figurines arranged into intricate narrative scenes.
Conversation Questions: Journal about, think about or ask each other
- Describe a meaningful MEMORY to you: One that makes you smile, makes you sad, makes you laugh, etc.
- What is special about this MEMORY?
- How did you use your artwork to depict this MEMORY?
Supplies:
- Wire + Wire Cutters + Pliers
- Masking Tape
- Newspaper
- Paint + Paintbrush + Paint Markers for details
- Box for objects to go in
- Scissors
- Hot glue if you would like to glue objects in
Steps:
- Use wire to shape the basic form of your memory. I’m recreating a memory of my favorite one-eyed, Siamese kitty named Mrs. Kitty from when I was growing up. I’ve been thinking a lot about pets and how I’d like one in quarantine to help keep me happy!
- Use tape to tape parts together
- Use newspaper to fill out parts like heads and bodies
- You can use tape to make thin parts like ears
- Cover your objects entirely in masking tape. Cut the masking tape in half lengthwise to cover smaller parts.
- Paint your objects one color as a base. Let dry.
- Paint your background or box one color as a base. Let dry.
- Add more detail with paint.
- You can use paint markers to add small details.
- Get an adult to hot glue your objects into their box.
