Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of design principles and apply them to create their own visually appealing artwork.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Pencils
• Coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils)
• Ruler
• Optional: magazines or newspapers for collage activity

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduction to Design Principles

   Start by discussing the basic design principles, such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity. Show examples of artwork that exemplify each principle and explain how they contribute to the overall visual appeal.

2. Design Exploration

   Have the student choose one design principle to focus on. Instruct them to create a small artwork (approximately 8x8 inches) using that principle as the main element. Encourage them to experiment with different techniques and materials to achieve the desired effect.

3. Collage Activity

   Using magazines or newspapers, the student can cut out various images and arrange them on a larger sheet of paper to create a collage. They should consider the design principles discussed earlier when arranging the images to create an interesting composition.

4. Reflection and Self-Critique

   After completing the artwork, have the student reflect on their design choices and evaluate how well they incorporated the chosen design principle. Encourage them to identify areas of improvement and discuss how they could enhance their artwork in the future.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "Design principles are guidelines that artists use to create visually pleasing artwork."
• "Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition. It can be symmetrical or asymmetrical."
• "Contrast involves using elements that are different from one another to create interest and make certain parts of the artwork stand out."
• "Emphasis is the focal point or center of interest in an artwork. It helps guide the viewer's attention."
• "Movement is the visual flow or path that the viewer's eye follows within a composition."
• "Pattern is the repetition of shapes, forms, colors, or lines to create a sense of rhythm or unity in an artwork."
• "Rhythm is the repetition or alternation of elements to create a visual beat or flow."
• "Unity refers to the overall sense of harmony and cohesion in an artwork."