Core Skills Analysis
Visual Arts
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through controlled use of textas on patterned backgrounds.
- Encourages exploration of color interactions as students overlay new lines and shapes on existing patterns.
- Fosters creativity by allowing students to personalize and transform patterns, resulting in unique artistic expressions.
- Introduces concepts of layering and composition as texta marks alter the visual complexity of the underlying patterns.
Tips
To extend learning from drawing over patterns with textas, encourage students to experiment with different types of lines—such as zigzag, curved, or dotted—and observe how these change the overall design. Introduce concepts of symmetry and asymmetry by asking them to replicate or contrast segments of the pattern in their overlays. Additionally, incorporate discussions about colors—warm vs cool, complementary vs analogous—to deepen their understanding of color theory. For an experiential lesson, have students create their own base patterns using different media before drawing over them with textas to compare effects.
Book Recommendations
- Patterns, Patterns, Everywhere! by Trudy Harris: This colorful book explores the concept of patterns in everyday life and inspires children to recognize and create their own.
- Ish by Peter H. Reynolds: A story that encourages creative expression and teaches children to embrace artistic experimentation without focusing on perfection.
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds: A charming tale about making a mark and discovering creativity through simple yet meaningful art exercises.
Learning Standards
- ACAVAM106 - Use materials, techniques, and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks.
- ACAVAM107 - Make artworks that represent ideas, observations, and imagination with increasing skill and expression.
- ACAMUM066 - Investigate and explore the use of elements of art, such as line and color, which relate to layering effects.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Create a pattern grid and practice layering different colored lines to explore color blending and textural contrast.
- Drawing Task: Design your own base pattern using pencil, then overlay with textas to experiment with how different patterns interact visually.