Symmetry Collages

Second grade cut two shapes at a time by stacking paper before cutting. Once they had the two pieces, they created a mirror image, abstract design collage. 

Abstract Value Study

Learning how to blend and change the value of a color can be challenging. Instead of learning these skills on a still life or a drawing of shapes, I opted to use abstract spaces. I had the girls use a pencil first to draw random overlapping lines on a small piece of paper (the paper was 8X10"). I advised the girls not to end up with tiny spaces that could not contain a value study of a color. The objective was to color a gradual value change, from light to dark or from dark to light. The students chose a few colors that they felt made an interesting color scheme. After they drew their lines in pencil, they drew over it in black sharpie. They then filled the spaces with value studies using colored pencil. Once they got the hang of a one-color study, they had the option of trying to blend two different colors together.

Painted Patterns

First graders loved making patterns and shapes with a variety of tools. I put out cut up boxes, bottle caps, clothes pins, and corks and allowed them to dip the objects in paint to create patterns. Each one turned out differently. We discussed many art terms including pattern, repetition, space, texture and color.

Abstract Assemblage

First grade created these abstract works of art by first gluing string circles  to paper. We discussed color and color combinations before they used watercolor to fill in the circles and negative space.