First Grade Piet Mondrian

This is one of my favorite projects to do with first grade! Even though they are given limited shapes and colors, every student comes up with a unique and interesting design.

 

First I gave the first grade a brief history on the Dutch artist, Piet Mondrian. He painted realistic landscapes until eventually he started realizing that the trees and buildings could all be made using basic geometric shapes. Every color could be made using the primaries: red, yellow, and blue. His work became very abstract and simplified. Mondrian was also greatly influenced by the streets and lights of NYC and inspired by jazz music.

As the students are working, I have them listen to jazz music to let them see if it effects their artwork.

Each student gets a large piece of white paper, precut black strips of paper (these can only be used vertically and horizontally, not diagonal). For my class I precut some large yellow, red, and blue squares and rectangles (allowing them to cut the pieces smaller if they want).

As the students are finishing their piece, I let them choose one square to add glitter too (to mimic the sparkle of city lights). I have them paint that square with glue, and I sprinkle the glitter on for them.

They look great hanging all together! I am always as pleased as they are with the results.

Ohio Visual Arts Standards:

1PR Demonstrate beginning skill and craftsmanship in the use of art materials and tools.
6PR Engage in artmaking to produce a work that combines music, movement or dramatic play with visual art.