Older Children

Peter Reginato

American, born 1945

Kingfish: An Homage to Tim Moore

1986

Subject: Energy
Activity: Create an energetic composition
Materials: Construction paper, scissors, and tape or glue
Vocabulary: Abstract, asymmetry, depict, dynamic, geometric

Introduction:

Peter Reginato is a sculptor from Dallas. He wants his sculptures to convey a feeling, as opposed to looking realistic. When artists do not want their art to look realistic, we call their work abstract. Artists can use many different colors to convey a variety of feelings. Reginato used bright colors, dynamic shapes, and asymmetry to make his sculpture light, fun, and energetic.

Questions:

Can you name some colors that we associate with certain feelings?

Can you name some shapes that we associate with certain feelings?

What do you look like when you are full of energy? What shapes and colors might depict this?

What about when you are tired or resting? How would that be depicted abstractly?

Activity:

On colored construction paper, draw a variety of shapes. Use both simple geometric shapes and more complicated shapes that you make up. Cut them out, and on a separate sheet of paper, try arranging the shapes in different ways. How can you arrange them so that they look restful? How about energetic or moving? Which colors or shapes are better for each feeling? When you have a composition you like, use tape or glue to secure the shapes to the page.

Vocabulary:

Asymmetry —Not having balanced or even parts, the opposite of symmetrical
Abstract —Expressing a quality apart from the way an object appears to the eye; the opposite of realistic
Depict —To represent by a picture
Dynamic —Characterized by action, the opposite of static
Geometric —Using simple shapes and elements such as lines, circles, squares, and triangles

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