Geometric Shapes Design

Grade: 9-12

Curriculum Area: Visual Art

Unit of Study/Art history/Cultural context: Shapes: Geometric and Amorphous, Abstract, Watercolors

SPI's/Standards of Art: TN: 1.1.1-1.1.4, 1.3.1-.1.3.4, 1.4.1-1.4.4, 2.1.1-2.1.4, 3.1, 6.1

Objectives:

Students will analyze and apply element of art: Shapes (Geometric) to create an abstract design. (1.1-2.1, 3.1)

Students will create a radial Geometric design using steps and tools like rulers and compasses. (1.1-2.1, 6.1)

Students will understand and apply colors following a warm or cool color scheme. (1.1-2.1)

Students will paint the design using watercolor techniques. (1-2)

Materials:

Pencil Eraser 18x24” Tagboard Rulers Compass Crayons Watercolors

Assessment Strategies:

Questions and responses during presentation to show understanding. Individual monitoring during guided & independent practice (double-check comprehension). Rubric for the final project: scoring based on how well Objectives were met in the project. (Good

effort; cleanliness and craftsmanship; Geometric shapes make a radial design; 3 of 6 watercolor techniques are used; effective composition.)

At the end of the semester, the final exam will include questions about both types of Shapes.

Guided Learning Steps:

Introduction – Recap on the two types of shapes in art. Geometric will be the focus of this project. Introduce the project, the guidelines and expectations for grading. Student examples will be shown for clarification and ideas on how the project will look. Briefly introduce idea behind watercolors.

Demonstration/Guided Practice – Students will follow step-by-step processes provided by the teacher to create their radial, geometric designs. This involves the use of measuring tools such as compasses and rulers to create a “flower petal” design as the foundation. Students then break those up into sections with 5 circles. Using multiple protractor tools and stencils, they will expand the design and add numerous geometric shapes with lines and patterns. The original petals must disappear by the finish. Students then split the design in half and color one side with warm colors, and the other side cool, determining which they like best.

Individual Practice (Project) [3-4 days] – Students will re-draw the design out onto 18x24” manila tagboard using the same steps and tools. Students will then get a demonstration of using watercolors and 6 techniques. These include crayon resist, scumbling, wet-on-wet, dry-on-wet, overlap, and opaque. They must include a minimum of 3 techniques on their design. They must also include patterns with solid areas; crayon resist patterns count.

Reflection – Students will discuss the different designs made by the class.

Vocab: geometric, radial, warm & cool color scheme, watercolors, crayon resist, scumbling, opaque

Essential Questions:

1. What are the two types of shapes?

2. What are cool and warm color schemes? a. What moods do they convey?

3. What types of symmetry are in your design?

4. What are some watercolor techniques? a. How does it differ from other types of paint?