Falling into Op Art

We have created Op Art value drawings in 8th grade art for a number of years now but this quarter, we included an additional twist- a printed photo of students "falling" into their work. We had a great time with this!

To start us off, we looked at contemporary anamorphic design. Brasspup's work shows prime examples of how easily our minds can be tricked, especially with the aid of technology. Nat Geo's Brain Games can also be an instructional resource for inspiration.

We then compared the work of Holbein the Younger and his infamous Ambassadors painting from 1533 to the more modern examples of this type of artwork. Kahn Academy's video is a perfect introduction to the Ambassadors.  

During studio time, students have the option of using a design that we practice together or, students can research online and brainstorm something they develop themselves...

We draw, outline, work on value and shading (with colored pencil) before our photo shoots. Varying the thickness of our outline is a major focus of our technique as well as the value changes. (I should also point out we do look at the pioneers of traditional Op Art such as Riley and Vasarely).

Find this warm-up worksheet (above) at studentartguide.com

We used our iPads to capture our photos and just cut away the excess background we didn't want. We also glued on our forms from the warm-up worksheet.

End of the year wrap up...

End of the year wrap up...Frank Big Bear portraits and CD mandalas.

Frank Big Bear portraits
For one of our last projects, we completed a colored pencil rendition of Frank Big Bear's unique portrait style. Value is highly stressed in this project as well as color schemes and how color effects artwork.

Our inspiration came from this great art ed blog post.
http://experimentsinarteducation.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/frank-big-bear/

CD Mandalas

With our mandala designs, we look at radial balance and repetition of pattern. CDs were designed with colored Sharpies and 3D paint, while the paper boarder was created with colored pencil and black marker.

This project was introduced with the contemporary art of Suzan Drummen.
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/08/suzan-drummen/

Day of the Dead Skulls

Since this quarter's art students just wrapped up their exploritory Spanish class, we thought it would be fun to try a Day of the Dead skull drawing. We focused on all three types of balance and contined to work on value shading with colored pencils. 

Pop Art! Candy Paintings

We had a lot fun studying real candy prices as our inspiration for our Pop Art Candy Paintings. Tempra paint and black Sharpie outlines added emphasis and strong lines. The 12" x12" paper created a cropped effect as well. Yum!

Frank Big Bear Portraits

For our last project during quarter three, we completed a colored pencil rendition of Frank Big Bear's unique style. Even with a snow day interrupting our work time, we were able to create these funky, abstract, value-stressed drawings. Great job 7th graders!

Our inspiration came from this great art ed blog post.
http://experimentsinarteducation.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/frank-big-bear/

Op Art Cube Update!

Looking good so far...
Students- these are due on Friday. No more class work time.

Op Art Finished!

What a fun and successful project- maybe a smaller piece of paper to start off with next time?  12" x 18" was a little big and required a lot of time both in class and at home to finish.

However, the results are well worth the effort!

In progress...