5th grade Optical Weaving

I was very pleased with the quality of this final art assignment finished by my 5th graders. It is relatively an easy process, however, craftsmanship and attention to detail are what make these look top-notch. 

Day #1: Students learn about Op Artist, Victor Vassarely through a little art history and of course, some visuals. Then I teach everyone how to make an op art weaving using two pieces of 12x18 construction paper. I discovered how to do the weaving through a YouTube video. It is just like a traditional weaving, however, the paper strips are cut one piece at a time and woven through the paper loom. This takes a lot of concentration! If you want more details about the paper weaving, please click here.

Day #2: Students trace three lids of various sizes onto drawing paper and learn how to create a checkerboard pattern based on curves. It's much simpler than it looks, hence the optical illusion! Then marker is added to fill in the grid. The final step (which is completed at student's own rate) is to add a shadow on one half of the sphere using vine charcoal. Wah-lah! The spheres are cut out and glued on top of the weaving. Love the look and so do the kids!