Kandinsky Dots

In January, we have wrapped up some wintry projects that carried over in December and have begun some abstract art projects that span the latter part of January for Kindergarten.

Kandinsky is the perfect introduction to abstract art, as his work as beautiful as it is varied and diverse. It leads itself to simplicity and bright colors, which brightens these dreary winter days!

The students begin with a square piece of paper, which can be folded in half twice to create a smaller 4 x 4 grid. We draw on the fold lines to bring focus to the grid blocks.

I cut out a lot of smaller squares in various colors to use for the circle cut outs. We discuss various ways to cut circles by rounding the edges, folding the paper and symmetrically cutting, and using circle tracers (a glue stick cap is a great example!

When they begin stacking the circles, make sure there is good contrast between colors and that the circles continue diminishing in size. By the end, they are circle cutting pros!

Once all the blocks are filled up with concentric circle cut outs, we discuss how to enhance our collage with drawing and paint. I give them really small 6 color paint trays and we do lines, dabs, dashes of paint to further enhance. Some of the students do a little marker drawing ahead of the paint.

This is a simple and fun project that stresses cutting, color theory, and design- a great intro to more abstract approach to art making.

This week, the Kindergarten students are starting a Mondrian inspired project and the First Grade is doing a African Kente Collage- more to come in February 💕