Marble art originated in the Middle East. The earliest papers still in existence are from Turkey @ 1500’s. The papers were used for decorative purposes and as a background for official documents to prevent any forgeries. Marble art found it’s way to Europe in the 1600’s by way of trade. France and the Netherlands embraced the new art form and was noted for their marble quality.

Students learned how to create various shapes, swirls and colored designs with the marble art method. Water-soluble paint was used with a solution of water mixed with “carrageenan”, a gelatinous extract from red sea weed. This solution is like thick oil, which helps the dropped ink/paint remain suspended or float on top. Students would take hand sized rakes or end of a paintbrush to move the colors into patterns. Exploratory students had 2 themes: October /Fall and Music/Dancers.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES:
Students will be aware of mixing colors, understand the solutions that make colors float to the top. Use of various tools to enhance the elements and principles of art.

MLR: (Maine Learning Results) content area with Marble art paper designs
1. A1 Artist purpose-Students research and explain how art and artists reflect and influence culture and periods of time.
2. B3 Making meaning: Demonstrate knowledge of visual art concepts.
3. E1 The arts and world cultures: Students analyze the characteristics and purposes of products of the visual/performing arts to understand history and/or world cultures.

For more info: http://members.aol.com/marbling/marbling/