Students will be able to:
- create an optical illusion of 3-dimensional spheres on a 2-dimensional surface;
- use coloured pencil techniques to create the illusion of depth;
- follow written instructions to accurately complete an op art design.
THE BULGE – Creating Optical Illusions
Steps
Step One
- Follow the instructions on The Bulge worksheet. (Downloads - BULGE.pdf)
- Cut out the circles to use as tracers.
- Decide how many circles you want to use in your design.
- Arrange the circles in the square and use a pencil to trace around them.
Step Two
- Use a ruler to draw horizontal and vertical lines to connect the dots on the sides of the square.
Step Three
- When you come to the circle gently curve the lines as if you are moving over the surface of a sphere.
Step Four
- Once all the lines are drawn you may want to go back and double them.
Step Five
- Colour in the spaces using a variety of coloured pencil techniques.
Learning Goals
Extensions
Have students:
- explore Op Art at Tate Kids;
- apply their understanding of how to create an optical illusion by making a 3-dimensional op art work;
- explain how they made their work to others.
Prepare
- Prior to this lesson you may want to have your students complete the Coloured Pencil Techniques worksheet available on this website.
- Download and copy the Bulge worksheets - enough for 1 per student. (Downloads - Bulge.pdf).
- Download images of op art from the Internet, for example,
Vasarely
Vasarely2
Tousignant
Riley
Introduction
- Display the op art images.
- Discuss the works and make a list of characteristics of the art, for example,
- although the works are flat they fool the eye into thinking they are 3-dimensional, or actually moving
- a mathematical form of art based on geometry
- non-objective
- uses contrasting colour, line and shape to create a sense of movement
- uses perspective
- positive and negative spaces are equally important - Introduce the challenge.
Activities
The Challenge
- Create an optical illusion of 3-dimensional spheres on a 2-dimensional surface.
- Use coloured pencil techniques to create the illusion of depth.
- Follow written instructions to accurately complete an op art design.
The Process
- Ensure that everyone understands the challenge.
- Establish success criteria with your students, for example,
I know I am successful when I have:
- measured correctly
- drawn the bulge design accurately
- used colour combinations effectively
- used shading effectively
- keot the paper in good condition - Guide students through the steps outlined in worksheet.
- Observe students as they work.
- Encourage them to share and expand on each others' ideas.
- Provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Sharing
- Place students into small groups and have them share thoughts about the work.
- During the discussion include references to:
- Colour - how colour combinations and shading affect the overall impact of the work
- Technical accomplishment - how the condition of the paper, careful measurement and attention to detail affect the overall impact of the work - Ask students what they found satisfying about doing this project and why.
- Ask them what was difficult about doing this project and why.
Assessment
- Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting.
- Observe students as they discuss the artworks – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
- Use a checklist to track progress. (Download - Bulge_worksheet_tracking.pdf)
- Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Download - Bulge_worksheet_self-assessment.pdf)
