BACKGROUND:
Over the years, artists continuously worked to make their artwork more realistic. They learned about perspective, shading, proportions, form, value, and various other techniques to improve their skills. But in the late 1800s, there was a shift. Artists began to embrace bold colors and shapes that were not generally being used. This began the abstract art movement, in which artists focused less on creating realistic pieces and more on creating art that they considered pure. Some abstract art can still resemble a real object or scene but in a distorted way, while other works are completely nonrepresentational. Abstract art is still prominent today and can be seen in many different forms, such as this abstract line painting.
OBJECTIVE:
With the help of this art lesson plan, students aged preschool to fourth grade will practice creating artwork using a variety of lines. Students will learn how to turn regular markers into watercolors using a simple technique. And this abstract line art for kids will teach students about abstract art, its origins, and how it differs from representational art.
NATIONAL CORE ART STANDARDS:
Anchor Standard #1
-Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor Standard #3
-Refine and Complete artistic work.
Anchor Standard #4
-Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for
presentation
INSTRUCTIONS:
Students will use a Sharpie or other permanent black marker to create an image using simple lines. After students use the sharpie they can then use washable markers to create a border around areas they would like to paint. Last, students will dip their paint brush into the cup of water and then paint over the areas colored by marker. This allows colors to flow, turning the makers into watercolors. So, students will be painting with markers. Most importantly, students will have fun with this piece!
Step 1:
Take out your art paper and draw a variety of lines of your choosing with a Sharpie. Let the lines cross paths and loop in various directions. Add different widths to parts of your lines to increase variety. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this, it’s abstract art!
Step 2:
Take your ultra washable markers and make an outline in some of the areas of your page. Feel free to keep some white. Be sure to use a variety of bright colors for the full abstract art effect.
Step 3:
Using a paint brush, add water to each area to allow the water to soak up color. Try to keep each area separate. Let the paper sit to dry as water slowly begins to flow. More water will help to blend the marker paint more, but try not to oversaturate the art paper.
FUN FACTS:
While your students are working on their pieces, teach them these fun facts about abstract art!
CHECK THIS OUT:
Russian artist Kasimir Malevich is known for popularizing the abstract art form of Suprematism. And his work is currently being featured in the Museum of Modern Art. If you can get there, you should definitely take a look at his pieces!