After evaluating the many ways to view an object, students will work in a small group to create a colorful, abstract watercolor design using watercolor paper and paint or pigments. When the paper is dry it will be cut into several trading card-sized rectangles. Each student will select a card and use a pen/marker to draw contour outlines around the shapes they perceive as recognizable objects. After further artistic development, the card will be mounted on a cardboard backing for support. This ‘Artist Trading Card’ can be traded with other members in the class, other classrooms in the building or district, or other classrooms outside your state or country.

Students can research how other artists’ are creating and trading Artist Trading Cards online.

Worksheets and an instruction guide are included in this lesson.

Discuss the various ways that differences in opinions are carried out in society. Sample topics may include the constructive and deconstructive methods used by: Conservatives/Liberals, Gun control advocates and opponents, Right to Life/Pro Choice, or Religious groups. Discuss the factors that determine how people form their opinions.

Participate in small groups (four or less) to complete the "What do you see?" handout. Students should be seated around rectangular or round tables to be able to view the handout from opposing viewpoints as it is placed in the center of the table. Ask students to spend 2-3 minutes in silence as they view the image and form ideas. After careful consideration students should write down a sentence or two in the space provided on the handout to describe the image(s) they perceive and share their perceptions with group members. These handouts can be shared with the entire class to broaden the experience. Discuss the unique perceptions made by students and why there is no correct or incorrect way to interpret the shapes.

Research the internet or printed materials to learn about the history and purpose of Artist Trading Cards. You may also want to explore the history and purpose of Rorschach's ink blot tests as they apply to psychology. (see below for web links)

Create an ATC.

Watercolor Method: (See full color instruction guide).

1.Use a wide soft brush and/or a fine mist spray bottle to evenly saturate a sheet of watercolor paper with water. Quickly add dabs and squiggles of various colors of watercolor paint to the moistened paper. Leave approximately 10-20% of the surface white as you place irregular blotches of color on the paper. Lift the paper and tilt at various angles to allow the paint to move and meld with other colors without becoming too muddy. Allow paper to dry overnight. Once dry, the paper can be placed under a flat heavy object for a few hours to flatten if needed.

2. Cut paper into rectangles EXACTLY 2.5 by 3.5 inches. Each rectangle will have a random section of colorful shapes which are similar to the irregular (or "organic") shapes found in the "What Do You See?" handout. After viewing the card from different perspectives, students should use a fine tip pen or marker to draw a contour outline the shapes they recognize as familiar objects. Additional features, such as eyes on a face or patterns on a dress, may be incorporated to add interest and texture.

3. Other art mediums, such as glitter or crayon/colored pencil enhancement may be added if desired. Incorporating a word or two in the form of handwritten text, letters torn from a newspaper or rubber stamps may also add visual and emotional appeal.

4. Apply a full, even coat of glue to the backside of the watercolor paper and adhere to a piece of cardboard or other sturdy backing. Decorate the backside of the trading card with a simple design as well as factual information such as the title of the artwork, name of the artist and date.

5. (Optional) To protect the card surface, apply a coat of gloss or matte clear acrylic finish.

Each student may complete a Swap Information worksheet if the card is to be traded with another student. By exchanging the information on the handout students will be teaching and learning about the Elements and Principles of Art.

Teachers may choose to collaborate with classes across the hall, across the country or across the continents.

Learn about various techniques used in creating Artist Trading Cards by visiting the websites below.

Websites:

http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/

Learn about the history of ATC’s

http://studentatc.com/

Connect with other teachers to create a classroom to classroom swap.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artisttradingcards/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATC_World/

There are many online ATC groups. These two links are open to Yahoo members.

http://rorschach.org/

While no official inkblot images are posted, this site gives lots of information about the purpose and history of the test.

Book: Artist Trading Card Workshop by Bernie Berlin

Fine Arts

NA-VA.9-12.1 Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques, And Processes

NA-VA.9-12.3 Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols, and Ideas

NA-VA.9-12.5 Reflecting Upon and Assessing the Characteristics and Merits of Their Work and the Work of Others

NA-VA.9-12.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines