Hi Linda,
Here are two ideas that can get you started:
1. Resource: Bridget Riley, lines that move in the mind.
Inquiry: Students will explore with pen and ink or wedge tiped marker
the effect of closely spaced linear patterns, to the point that, at a
distance, the viewer can not distinguish a separation between figure and
ground. I used C-0 speedball pens and india ink on 6" square paper. (PS I
trained my students from Grade 1 how to use india ink.)
2. Resource: Victor de Vasaréley, op art with color fields.
Inquiry: Students will explore with cut colored papers the "clashing or
nauseating effect" that certain colors can have with one another and confuse
the sense of advancing vs receding shapes/space. I used a 9" square of paper
as the background. Other papers are cut into 4.5" by 9" size. For a 3 color
clash, one of these half sheets can be adhered to the background sheet.
For the third half sheet, students will cut from the corner of one side
into the interior, creating as big a shape as possible. Save the thin, 3
sided border shape and adhere to the background, border edges mesh with
background paper. Flip the "interior shape--#1 " over to the other side of
the background, lining up center edges of all papers. Cut out another
"interior shape--#2 out of #1" and flip this back over to the other side.
Adhere the border of interior shape #1. Keep doing this to the smallest
possible shape can be cut out. Close toned versions of cool vs warm colors
work well, like magenta vs orange, pink vs orange, turquoise vs orange, etc.
I used both these lessons successfuly with fourth graders. They enjoyed
the "magic."
Ann-on-y-mouse in Columbus
Art Teacher, K-5, retired
I am looking for some ideas to teach op art to my 4th graders. Any ideas?
