Elements of Art: Lines

Lines by Philip Yenawine

Lines that Wiggle by Candace Whitman

For this project we focused on different types of lines. We started with two great readalouds about lines Lines that Wiggle and Lines.

We talked about all the different types of lines and brainstormed a list (straight, wavy, diagonal, criss-cross, dashed, dotted, parallel and zig-zag). 

Then we set to work creating line compositions. First we reviewed what we had learned about color mixing. Then, using only the three primary colors and some white paint, we made various abstract backgrounds in pastel colors (not only a nice review in color theory but also color value).

Once those were dry, we created various lines in black paint. I challenged the students to create balanced compositions with their black lines.

Elements of Art: Color

Today we mixed primary colors to make abstract watercolors. I started by putting painters tape in a grid pattern on watercolor paper. Then the learners used red, blue and yellow liquid watercolors (I love the vibrancy of these) to create different blocks of color.  I also provided salt to sprinkle on some of the squares to create texture. Make sure to wait for the paint to dry before removing the tape.