Abstract Shapes.

Recently kindergarten and 1st grade have learned what the term "abstract" means, and how it is different from "realism." Next we talked about shape and color, and how those can help us express emotions in art.  I would start by saying something like, "I'm thinking of a angry color." And a student might respond, "Red!" or "Black!" Then I would follow up with a question like, "Would an angry shape have sharp edges, soft edges, or both?" (In this instance, most students responded with, "Sharp!")  Then we would add that shape to our paper.  By the end, we had a painting full of beautiful, colorful shapes!

Expression through art can be a difficult thing to grasp, but these students did a fabulous job!  Students were able to paint a variety of "emotions" in this abstract project.  After the paintings were dry, I had the students outline their shapes with pastel and mount them on black paper -- which lead to a great conversation on artistic craftsmanship.  I love the way this project turned out.