Color Theory and Kandinsky Composition

This is a great lesson on color theory, composition, abstract art, and kinetic art.

First teach students about color theory by using the color theory PP.

Next teach them about composition and abstract art by using the KANDISNKY AND BRUCE GREY PP. Rubric, objectives and essential questions are all listed in this lesson! Student examples are also provided.

Objectives:

The student will learn: 

To: understand color theory by viewing Color Theory PowerPoint and examining color schemes.

To: Create an abstract work of art using a variety of shapes, lines and colors. 

To: Create a sense of movement when arranging the colors and shape compositions. 

To: Observe abstract works of art and understand how artists choose composition. 

That: Wassily Kandinsky was the founder of abstract art.   

How To: Organize a composition, show unity in a work of art, select interesting shape and color choices.  

How: Color and shapes can express the way a person feels (emotions). 

How: to use colored pencils in the correct manner. 

ACTIVATING STRATEGY/ MOTIVATION:

The students will begin by observing Wassily Kandinsky’s work. 

Learn how Kandinsky was an accomplished musician, once said “Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, and the soul is the piano with many strings.  Kandinsky could HEAR colors and SEE sounds!!!!!!

Next the students will learn more about abstract artwork, composition and color theory by viewing contemporary artist's work Bruce Grey.

Essential Questions:

How can artists create and interesting composition with only shape, line and color?

Use of different shapes, line qualities, color and unity. 

How can we express the way we feel in a work of art?

Use of color and shape, also talking about your artwork with another person. 

Vocabulary:

Abstract art uses a lines shapes and colors to express feelings or mood. 

Abstraction in art is a non-lifelike portrayal of real world objects, people and scenes that are usually difficult for other people to recognize.

GRADE CRITERIA:

PLANNING: Student chose a variety or a single shape to use throughout their drawing, student created thumbnail sketches to plan for their composition. The Artwork should be non objective meaning ABSTRACT!!!!! Student planned colors for their work in a thoughtful way not just using random colors. 10 points

COMPOSITION: Student’s project shows evidence of having considered the space of their composition, and effectively uses space to create a dynamic composition. Student considered the elements of art line shape and color, and the principles of design movement to create a successful eye catching composition. 20 points

CONCEPT: Student used inspiration from other artists like Kandinsky and Bruce Grey to generate a conceptual art form. Students understands that abstract art can convey emotion. 20 points

DEPTH: Student included a range in values with color to create contrast and interest. 20 points

MATERIALS: Student’s artwork shows some experimentation with materials or with mark-making. 20 points 

OVERALL Craftsmanship: Work shows overall care and completeness in use of materials 10 points