Cubism was a revolutionary new approach to representing reality invented around 1907–08 by artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They brought different views of subjects (usually objects or figures) together in the same picture, resulting in paintings that appear fragmented and abstracted.
First take a series of photos (at least 6) in different positions and with different expressions. I would actually recommend photos wearing different clothes and lighting if possible.
Print the photos and turn them upside down in a stack. Use a cutting matt and an X-acto knife to cut the photos into puzzle like pieces. Cubism is very geometrical. So stick to geometrical shapes. Some students may find it easier to use scissors for this process. The most important thing is to leave the pieces in the correct order. Don't move them around where they do not fit together like a puzzle.
Next make a series of paste ups by selecting your favorite pieces from each stack and pasting them together into one collaged piece. I recommend doing this four times to give yourself some choices when you draw. (Pencil will be our medium for this project). We used a large piece of paper that we folded in half and got all four on one piece of paper.
Then you draw in full value range a sketch. Feel free to change out blocks that you do not like for more interesting blocks from another paste up that is why you have four of them!
Student Examples
The one on the left was done by a student who preferred to draw animals and use pen and ink. So exceptions can be made if you have a plan and you get it approved.
