Teach Balance in Art
Introduce elementary students to the art principle of balance by doing some fun and interesting art activities. Balance is the way an artwork is visually equal through use of objects, colors, textures, shapes or lines. Balance in art can be symmetrical, the same on both sides, or asymmetrical, where the artwork has parts or areas that are not equal or the same. Even if an artwork is asymmetrical, it can still have balance through the composition of the artwork. This lesson can be done within the art room with basic materials with a group of students.
Instructions
1. Post images of artwork expressing both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance around the classroom. An example of a famous artwork displaying symmetrical balance would be "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. An example of asymmetrical artwork would be "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh.
2. Gather materials needed for the art activity before working with students: 12-inch by 18-inch white drawing paper, scissors, oil pastels, glue, watercolor paints, water containers and brushes. Cut enough 6-inch by 6-inch squares out of white paper, so each student has one in addition to the 12 inch-by 18-inch white paper.
3. Discuss with students as a group the definition of balance as an art concept. Look at the artwork posted around the room, and discuss which ones contain symmetrical balance and ones that have asymmetrical balance.
4. Give each student a sheet of 6-inch by 6-inch white paper and scissors. Have students fold the paper in half and cut out shapes similar to butterfly wings. Butterflies are symmetrical and equally balanced.
5. Open the butterfly wings and paint one side of the butterfly wings with watercolor paints. Work quickly, so paint doesn't completely dry.
6. When students are satisfied with their watercolor paintings, have them fold the wings together and press. The painting will transfer onto the other wing creating a balanced symmetrical design.
7. Have the students glue the butterflies onto the 12-inch by 18-inch white paper and then use the oil pastels to create finished artwork. Have students use shapes, forms or objects to help balance the artwork using asymmetrical balance.
8. Display the finished balance artworks around the classroom alongside the famous artworks showing the principle of balance. The students' work displays both symmetrical as well as asymmetrical balance.
