Expressive Ceramic Mask

This project involves students creating hand-built ceramic masks with an exaggerated facial expression.

Students will learn ceramic building techniques: wedging, attaching clay with the four s's, slab, coil, pinch, as well as, focusing on surface quality.

After sculpting the mask face, the clay is fired in a kiln. Students will use tempera paint to bring their face to life.
Using tints and shades of a hue for texture and color depth will be discussed. 

SKETCH WORKSHEET

FRONT & SIDE OF FACE

BACK OF MASK

Download the Rubric

ENGLISH
VIETNAMESE
SPANISH
Underpainting adds dimension to your finished sculpture.
Paint details that are not sculpted, like shadows under eyes
Adding spot gloss refines the finished sculpture

Painting the Facial Expression

  • Mix a skin tone (representational colors)
  • Add painted details at least once (It's not sculpted on, you added it during painting)
  • Use a detail brush to paint the part of the eyes
  • Paint a base color on the hair and then add a highlight or lowlight color
  • There should be mottled color somewhere on your face (hair, skin, etc.)
  • Use washes to add highlights and shadows
  • Add gloss finish to eyes, lips, hair, inside nostrils, inside ear holes