These are sculptures made of marble from the Cycladic Islands of Greece carved from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Thought to be fertility goddesses,there exact purpose remains a mystery. They were found mostly on the island of Koros, a small deserted island. All were broken and shipped from many parts of Greece to the island.

At first my students were not sure what to do. The Cycladic figures seemed too simple. Without facial features turned out to be a big help . Students could concentrate on just the shape.
Rather than the figures telling you what they are feeling, they let your imagination run. The images seem very knowingly created, in the best sense, nothing crude or tentative about them, Wonderfully stylized.   The figures range in size from hand held to near life size.

Using watercolor pencils for their first drawing and then combining them with watercolors and brush the students worked with three related colors to create the shape of the piece. They were happy with the results.The figures had shape and texture.Not worrying about being distracted by complicated details, the students could be expressive just with the feel of the shape.

Working from photos, using dramatic lighting. students create the affect of volume.

Working from an outline of watercolor pencils and shading with watercolor pigment, students work from light to dark. This student is working from yellow to burnt Sienna to Sepia.

Admiring their creations, the time passed quickly.