Abstract Painting - 5th Grade

Students created a composition combining organic and geometric shapes while overlapping or placing shapes within shapes. They explored mixing multiple secondary and tertiary colors and emphasized the contrast between warm and cool colors.

Abstract Geometric and Organic Shapes Paintings

For this lesson we discussed what are the characteristics of organic and geometric shapes. By overlapping shapes and drawing shapes within shapes they created abstract drawings. Students practiced mixing colors using the primary colors, each week focusing on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. In the last week they added additional details by using oil pastels over the watercolor, either blending colors or drawing an array of lines.

Self-Portraits at PS 116 - 1st & 4th Grades

Students observed themselves in the mirror making sure to include any special details, noticing the various shapes that define their facial features. Using liquid watercolors students practiced mixing colors using the primary colors for their self-portrait, for the first week focusing on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. Lastly they added color to match their skin tone.

1st Grade

4th Grade

Abstract Grid Paintings

4th Grade (four sessions)

Students drew vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines to create a complex grid of geometric shapes. Using liquid watercolor students practiced mixing colors using primary colors for their painting. In the second week they focused on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. In the final week they added texture to select shapes considering patterns and various types of lines.

Abstract Sculptures

K & 1st Grade (Three sessions)

The images featured here are abstract sculptures created by students in Kindergarten and First Grade. Over three weeks the students first assembled and glued the various wooden pieces, secondly they added warm colors, and for the third session they added cool colors. During the mini lesson, we talked about how to apply paint to their sculpture using a variety of brush strokes, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, swirls, and dabbing motions.