Styrofoam is an economical and versatile material suitable for art projects, although painting it may prove challenging due to its shape and surface texture.
Foam sculptural fabrication allows conceptual artists to craft impressive physical manifestations of their ideas, with lightweight material that can be easily shaped to accommodate various designs and styles.
Simple Prints
Styrofoam printing is an ideal way to introduce children to printmaking. It teaches them how to upcycle common materials into beautiful items while teaching patience as they go through multiple steps to reach their desired outcome.
To create simple prints, have children draw a picture on thin paper that matches the size of their matrix (the styrofoam plate they will be printing onto). They can then tape this drawing on top of a styrofoam plate and trace over it with a pencil to cut deep dents into it - creating printed images!
Once the etching process is finished, mix some paint that's not too runny and apply it with a brayer to a styrofoam plate using a brayer. Place a sheet of paper overtop of this and rub gently to transfer the image from styrofoam onto paper. When dry, carefully separate paper from styrofoam for the final reveal!
Styrofoam painting can be an easy and fun activity for children who may not yet be ready to tackle more involved projects such as carving or painting a woodblock. Styrofoam paintings also make unique gifts or decorations for parties! For added fun, paint a ball- or sphere-shaped piece of styrofoam so it becomes like an eye-catching Christmas bauble when completed!
Cityscapes
Styrofoam is a lightweight material, available in numerous shapes and sizes. It is easy to paint with acrylic paints as they adhere well to its surface; spray paints should not be used, as they can degrade styrofoam over time. When selecting paint colors for use on Styrofoam projects either temporarily or more permanently you must consider this factor when making your selections.
Cityscapes tend to conjure images of grand views or iconic landmarks; however, cityscapes can also encompass smaller features that give each place its unique identity. Photographers should search out interesting angles and compositions in order to capture these photographs effectively.
Photographers taking cityscape photographs should also consider lighting and weather conditions when taking their shots. A cityscape featuring large crowds might be best shot during rush hour or at night; such conditions will likely produce more dynamic photographs that stand out against its background.
Styrofoam may technically be recyclable, yet most of it ends up in landfills or polluting our oceans. To lessen its impact on the environment, consumers can avoid purchasing items made with this material and support restaurants that provide reusable to-go containers for food delivery; carry a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing plastic or Styrofoam cups from coffee shops and support companies that utilize paper packaging with non-toxic biodegradable packing peanuts for shipping purposes.
Abstract Prints
Rudolf Stingel uses styrofoam to craft abstract prints meant to be displayed directly on walls, as well as carpet pieces meant to be experienced as physical objects. He has even used this material in creating sculptures which must be experienced.
To create prints, students will first need to design and sketch on a piece of styrofoam, followed by using paint or markers to add layers of color using either brush strokes or spray cans - this step provides a wonderful opportunity for them to learn the concept of using color in art!
Once the styrofoam has been painted, it can be used as a printing plate to make prints on paper. Encourage students to explore how different colors affect their work by trying out various combinations and creating multiple prints at the same time. They could even write in their journals about any impacts their colors had.
Sculptures
Styrofoam is an ideal medium for creating three-dimensional artwork, as its soft yet rigid nature enables cutting with simple hand tools, saws, hot wire cutters and CNC fabrication equipment. Furthermore, its surfaces allow for virtually limitless creative potential with regard to coverings and finishes for virtually endless artistic expression.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is an economical and lightweight material ideal for prop making. In this course, special effects artist Tim Martin (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Captain Marvel and The Predator) shows students how to transfer their designs onto blocks of EPS before beginning carving with various tools such as drills, saws and heat guns. He also advises students on safety procedures as well as tips for working in well ventilated environments.
Once sculpted foam has been completed, it must be painted to protect its surface. Acrylic paint is often the best option as it adheres well and covers well; due to EPS' spongy texture it may be challenging for general-purpose brushes to cover it effectively; instead a foam-specific brush should be used instead.
Foam brushes are often chosen due to their shorter bristles that allow it to get into crevices and other textures with greater ease, roller brushes being another good option and both providing professional results. Finally, finish products formulated specifically for foam can help seal off projects for an ultimate professional result.