using techniques employed by american painter Eric Fischl in the 1970s + 80s, this lesson plan will walk you through a unique approach to constructing visual narrative. through this frankenstein-like drawing practice you will create transparent, experimental compositions that explore connection, association + imagination.

ages 12 and up

supplies

• wax paper

• oil paint or markers (dry-erase or oil based)

• paint brushes (if using paint)

• pins or tape

• paper or poster board (optional)

step 1

prepare your supplies by cutting out various sizes + shapes of wax paper.

each composition should include at least 3 pieces of wax paper

step 2

begin by selecting an object + sketching or painting it on to one of your wax paper sheets.

this could be a chair, a bowl of fruit, an empty box or any other everyday object you find in your home.

this drawing or painting will be the image that you build off of to form the rest of your narrative.

step 3

construct your narrative!

close your eyes + picture your original drawing or painting.

imagine a scenario surrounding this object through association.

ask yourself questions like: 

• what is this object doing?

• is there anyone there? 

• what are they doing? 

• how are they interacting with the object? 

• are their other objects?

• is there someone else there? 

• how are all of these pieces interacting? 

each time you make another connection or add a new element to your narrative, sketch or paint that new element onto its own sheet of wax paper.

the more associations + connections made, the richer your final composition will be.

step 4

once you have completed all of your drawings or paintings, begin experimenting with the final composition. 

pin your drawings to the wall or tape them to a window, overlapping + piecing the scene together.

move each element around until you are satisfied with the final complete image.

think outside of the box!

consider arrangements that emphasizes a particular element in your scene.

ask yourself questions like:

• what story am i trying to tell?

• is there an emotion that is captured by this narrative? what may it be and how is it being conveyed?

step 5 (optional)

attach your completed work to a setting.

Eric Fischl often takes his completed arrangements + places them in space using a watercolor or oil painted backdrop.

use paper or poster board to set your scene.

consider all of the possible locations that your narrative could take place.

• is there somewhere that would support your narrative the best?

• what associations or feelings are attached to this new background?

• how does the background’s colors influence the rest of the composition?

step 6

display your work!

due to the translucency of the wax paper, your composition can be influenced greatly by its display location + lighting. 

consider a location that compliments or highlights important elements within your completed narrative.

be sure to share your wax paper drawings by using the hashtag #dcfromhome