Wayne Thiebaud Inspired Art Lesson

Any child will love this easy sculpture project. Depending on the age of the child, you can change the plate design to any contrasting design. The examples you will see in this post are mainly from 3rd-grade students (or 9-year-olds). Most importantly, have fun seeing the creativity in your kids while they build their own food sculptures.

Who can build this sculpture?

Any age really. Model Magic is so easy to work with that it is also a favorite of parents at home. Have fun creating miniature “clay” meals at home without making a huge mess.

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What is Model Magic?

Model Magic is a sculpture building material that has a proprietary recipe and feels like light playdough. You can purchase it in white or different colors. This is one of the easiest and cleanest materials to use with elementary-age students.

The biggest con to using model magic is that it is not as sturdy as other sculpture materials like regular clay. We find that adding a clear coat once the Model Magic is dry (and done being painted) helps them last a little longer.

Supplies

watercolor paint, glue all, model magic pack, mod podge spray, small paint brush and small paper plate.

Model Magic: We love ordering this 75-pack of 1-ounce white pack for students to work with. We find it is the most economical way to purchase Model Magic. Even if you are just doing this with your family or small group this still gives you the most bang for your buck.

If doing this sculpture project at home, you could also just purchase a larger individual pack. Just note that Model Magic will start to dry if not kept in an air-tight container or baggie.

Check Model Magic Prices on Amazon by clicking the picture below

Watercolor Paint: Prang or these Sargent watercolor palettes are great to get rich colors and last a long time.
Small Paper plates
Pencil
Toothpick
Small Paint Brushes: Due to the size of these sculptures, size 0 or 2 brushes work really well.
Pen Sharpie or another pen permanent marker

hand holding food sculpture art project for kids donut on plate.

What artist can we use as inspiration?

For this art project for kids, you can use Wayne Thiebaud as inspiration. There is a great CBS Sunday Morning clip about him on Youtube.

Just pause it near the end if you don’t want children to notice a nude painting in the background at an art gallery. It is totally up to you, just make sure you preview the video first to find out what I am talking about.

Questions To Ask When Viewing Wayne Thiebaud’s Artworks

How did he create texture?
What would happen if he had given up?
Why do you think he chose food as his subject matter?
What food would you like to make Art about? Why?
Why do you think he chose to create paintings about food?

Food Sculpture Art Lesson

This art project can take around 1 to 1 1/2 hours to complete. If you are completing in a school setting that might mean 3-4 classes. You can always modify any parts of this elementary art lesson to fit the needs and age you are working with.

Day 1: Discuss Thiebuad’s Art and Sketch

Step 1: Watch the CBS video and have a discussion about the artwork you see.

Step 2: Pass out sketch paper and have children draw at least 3 sketches of what they would like to create a sculpture of.

Day 2: Build With Model Magic

Step 3: Each child will need a 1-ounce pack of Model Magic and a toothpick.

Step 4: Have the children open the package so that the silver part is completely open and use a sharpie to write their names. While this seems odd to give this instruction, the inside of the pack is the perfect work surface for kids.

Step 5: Build a food sculpture of their choice. Encourage kids to only make 1-3 items out of the pack. If they end up making more, the sculptures are too small.

child's hand building a small burger out of white model magic.

Step 6: Use the toothpick to help add texture or sculpt their small model magic sculpture.

Step 7: Let dry overnight.

Day 3: Paint the Sculpture

Step 8: Use a watercolor paint palette or tempera paint and a small brush to paint the sculpture.

watercolor paint on pizza and other food items on model magic wrapper drying.

Make sure kids are properly using watercolor paint. If they have too much water on their brush it will drip. However, remind them that watercolor paint is supposed to be see-through or transparent.

Optional: Spray the food sculptures with Mod Podge or another clear coat to help protect them and give the sculpture a little extra shine.

spray mod podge used on food sculptures in the backgrond.

Day 4: Design the Plate

Step 9: Each child will design a small paper plate with a radial black and white design. Click the link to get our step-by-step instructions for this.

black and white radial design on small paper plate.

This radial design method is great for kids about 8 and older. If doing one on one with a child, I am sure they could do it.

What if creating with younger elementary students?

If you are doing this with a younger class (say under 3rd grade), then I would just let them design the plate however they want but only with black and white. You can still encourage them to create variety by color in and around the shapes.

Step 10: Use a hot glue gun to attach the Model Magic food sculpture to the plate.

model magic food on paper plate art project.

Free Printable Instructions:

Yield: Model Magic Food Sculptures

Model Magic Food Sculpture Art Project

Kids love this easy sculpture art project using Crayola Model Magic. Easily design and sculpt your own food 3-d artwork to showcase your creativity.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost Less than $5

Materials

White Model Magic
Watercolor Paint
Small Paper plates
Extra Fine Tip Permanent Marker
Glue Gun or Glue All

Tools

Pencil
Toothpick
Small Paint Brushes

Instructions

Have children draw at least 3 sketches of what they would like to create a sculpture of.
Each child will need a 1-ounce pack of model magic and a toothpick.
Open the package so that the silver part is completely open and use a sharpie to write their name.
Build a food sculpture of their choice. Encourage kids to only make 1-3 items out of the pack. If they end up making more, the sculptures are too small.
Use the toothpick to help add texture or sculpt their small model magic sculpture.
Let dry overnight.
Optional: Spray sculptures with Mod Podge clear coat for extra shine and protection.
Use a watercolor paint palette or tempera paint and a small brush to paint the sculpture.
Design plate with a sharpie. See directions on how to help make radial designs on the plate above.
Use hot glue or Glue-All to attach the food sculpture to the plate.

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Looking for more easy sculpture ideas? Check out our easy pinch pot flower art project for kids.