Meditative Mandalas
Learning how to shade a smooth value scale is perhaps one of they most important aspects of learning to render things in a realistic way. Understanding how to shade is the key to creating the optical illusion of there being a three dimensional appearing object on the two dimensional paper. I focus on this key concept when students are in 8th grade a lot because it provides them with a solid foundation to build upon when they take the high school level art classes.
Students first trace their hand onto the paper and then trace a circle so that it seems as if it is underneath it. Using a white colored pencil and shading techniques, it appears as if the circle is brightly glowing and only allows the viewer to see the silhouette of the hand on top of it. The word "Mandala" is a Sanskrit word and when Mandalas are traditionally created they are in some way meant to represent the universe - the circle representing the collection of the whole.
Minnesota State Visual Art Standards:
Students first trace their hand onto the paper and then trace a circle so that it seems as if it is underneath it. Using a white colored pencil and shading techniques, it appears as if the circle is brightly glowing and only allows the viewer to see the silhouette of the hand on top of it. The word "Mandala" is a Sanskrit word and when Mandalas are traditionally created they are in some way meant to represent the universe - the circle representing the collection of the whole.
Minnesota State Visual Art Standards:
- 2. Analyze how the principles of visual art, such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation of, or response to visual artworks. (6.1.1.5.2)
- 1. Demonstrate the characteristics of the tools, materials and techniques of various two-and-three-dimensional media for intentional effects in original artworks. (6.1.2.5.1)
- 1. Compare and contrast the connections among visual artworks, their purposes, and their personal, social, cultural and historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities. (6.1.3.5.1)
- 1. Assemble and prepare personal artworks for public exhibition. (6.3.1.5.1)
- 1. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks in a variety of artistic contexts. (6.2.1.5.1)