1. Abstracting a Human Cell
Richard Diebenkorn abstraction/simplification of a cropped human cell. How are our cells similar to other animal’s cells?

2. Using Google Maps, compare human and various animal cells.
Discuss their similarities and differences.
Discuss differences between cells from people from around the world.
Discuss what contributes to good cell health and what a free radical is.
Animal cells as art?

3. Each student will create one 18” x 24” artwork by simplifying the objects into simplified shapes with a pencil on paper and then tracing the shapes with colored tissue paper for the collage.
The Project

4. Richard Diebenkorn, abstract artist.

5. Media Used: drawing paper, pencil, an Internet picture of a cell, glue, scissors, and colored tissue paper.
Materials

6. Study the artist Richard Diebenkorn and understand how he produced the images that he is famous for.
Bring in a printed version of a human cell photo from Google Images and write 3 facts about cells into your DW. Facts from the class discussions should be found in your DW.
Crop different versions of your cell. Practice drawing the simplified shapes into three thumbnail sketches. Discuss your drawings with Mr. Applegate.
Choose one of the thumbnails and create a 4” x 6” model with colored pencils. Paste this into your DW, and describe (in the DW) what works well and what you will change for the unit project.
Directions

7. Directions continued…
Obtain a large sheet of drawing paper (18 x 24 inches) and draw out the simplified shapes for your composition. Make sure that free radicals exist in the drawing.
Choose colored tissue paper and lay it over the shape to be traced. Trace onto the colored paper.
Cut out the shape on the colored paper and puzzle it (glue it) onto the sheet of drawing paper for the corresponding shape. Pay close attention to your CRAFT because it is very important.
Continue the process until finished. Use different colors for each separate shape. Neighboring shapes may not share the same color. You may leave some small parts white to increase contrast.
The goal is to create an abstracted composition that flows well, is balanced with color, has a good range of colors, and is well crafted.
Directions continued…

8. Final Product

9. Abstract this!

10. Or this…..as a work of art.

11. A cell with free radical damage.