Kandinsky and Abstract Art Inspire Creativity

Russian artist Wasslily Kandinsky’s art remains relevant today, largely because it is "abstract" (a design made up of lines, shapes, and colors) instead of being "representational" (a picture of something that we recognize). These lines, shapes and colors overlap, and vary in size and placement. After looking at some examples, these 5th grade students noticed certain patterns in his work. Design elements such as checkerboards, repeated half circles, and "asymmetry" (if you folded it in hald it would look different on each side) were used over and over in his work. Students were asked to make a drawing based on his style, but using their own creativity, especially when coloring. Students experimented with smudging oil pastels to give a soft, faded, or 3D appearance, and layering various art materials. Their creations are quite stunning!

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