This week's Mini-Masterpiece Project focuses on the geometric compositions of Piet Mondrian.
Fast Facts About Mondrian:
Born: March 7, 1872, Amersfoort, Netherlands
Died: February 1, 1944, New York, NY
Style/Period: De Stijl & Modern Abstract
Mondrian began to study drawing at age 14, but his family urged him to get a degree in education.
Mondrian painted about 250 geometric abstracts.
Mondrian did not use a ruler to measure out his lines.
Mondrian wanted his paintings to reflect the harmony of the universe.
Project for Little Hands: Mini Compositions
Strips of black construction paper
White cardstock paper
Glue sticks
Tempura paint - red, blue & yellow
Paintbrushes
Water & paper towels for cleaning brushes
Have students glue strips of black construction paper onto the white cardstock to create a Mondrian grid.
Ask children to choose sections to paint red, blue & yellow, making sure to leave a few spaces white.
Explain that red, blue & yellow are primary colors & cannot be made from mixing other colors. They are the source of all other colors.
Project for Older Children: Mondrian Inititals Art
Markers—Black, red, blue & yellow
Smooth, white paper
Pencils
Rulers
Have children lightly sketch their initials in large block letters across their paper, filling the space as much as possible.
Once satisfied with their name outline, students should trace over the pencil lines with black marker, using rulers when necessary.
Next, students should use markers & rulers to create the Mondrian grid.
Finally, students should selectively fill grid areas with red, blue & yellow markers, noting how color & line weight affect the balance of the composition.
