Every Monday we'll post easy-to-manage art projects inspired by a famous artist. This week's focus is on Kandinsky's color studies of concentric circles.
Fast Facts: Wassily Kandinsky
Born on December 16, 1866 in Moscow.
Taught law and economics until age 30 when he decided to become an artist.
Often called the "Father of Abstract Art."
Used colors and shapes in his paintings to express feelings. For example, triangles represent anger, squares reflect calm, and circles create spiritual connections.
Projects for Little Hands
Circles Mural: Origami paper is the perfect size to create Kandinsky Circles. Give each child 5 different color sheets of origami paper. Have students set aside one sheet to use for the background. From the remaining sheets, have children cut out 4 circles in descending sizes. Start with the largest circle and glue in the center of the background paper. Continue gluing on the other 3 circles, in descending order, each in the center of the last. Once the class Kandinsky circles have dried, affix them next to each other on a wall or bulletin board to create a Kandinsky mural masterpiece!
Outdoor museum. Assign each child their own outdoor sidewalk square and provide 5-6 pieces of color chalk. Have them start by drawing a circle in the center of the sidewalk square and filling it in. Next, use a different color to create a large border around that circle. Continue creating larger and larger borders with the remaining chalk until each student's area is full of color. Be sure to title your Kandinsky sidewalk "museum" for visitors passing by.
For Older Students
Discuss the color wheel and and how different colors can be associated with different moods. (Gray may conjure feelings of sadness, while red may reflect anger or passion.)
Have students fold a paper into six segments. Play a piece of music and ask the students to use markers, crayons or pastels to create a color circle that reflects the mood and tone of the piece. Repeat this exercise using a variety of music genres and themes until each of the six segments has been filled.
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