MiSs Rs ArT RoOm: tessellations

Showing posts with label tessellations. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

GEOMETRIC TESSELATION GRID MURAL

Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural
Learning Targets

I can...

Create an original Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural using drawing techniques learned in class
Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), color combinations (neutral, warm/cool colors, analogous colors), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Artist (1989-Present) Maya Nayuk
Use mathematical concepts (measurements, patterns, functions, tessellations) and design principles (repetition, composition, proportion) based on American Art
Define Cross Stitch Pattern (a grid-based guide that tells an artist where to place x-shaped stitches on fabric to create a pattern)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Kilim 1 (2024) Maya Hayuk

2. Read Mathterpieces: The Art Of Problem Problem Solving by Greg Paprocki

3. Discussion Questions "Why would a human invent shapes, patterns, or tessellations? What if buildings were only made from one shape (triangles, circles, ovals, swaures)? How do artists use mathematics (geometric, tessellations, symmetry) to create artwork? How do design principles (repetition, balance, harmony) help to create a mural? How does a mural represent a school community and why would a school community create a mural? Why would an artist simplify an image into patterns, shapes, or pixels? How can your individual contributions strengthen a community artwork? What do you find difficult about working inside a grid or pattern system? How do these geometric shapes (circles, triangles, squares, rectangles) create a bigger picture? Did you know the artist used mandalas, Rorschach tests, and pysanka as visual inspiration for her artwork? What happens when you look at artwork up close compared to far away? Is Maya Hayuk's artwork more mathematical or emotional? Why do contemporary muralists often use geometric abstraction?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 5 2" X 2" construction paper diamonds

2. Use a protractor, straight edge, and compass to draw lines to help divide the sections of each construction paper diamond

3. Write name/positive message on each 2" X 2" construction paper diamond before adding the diamonds to the Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural for Assigned Tables

2. Hammer Projects: Maya Hayuk (2024) Maya Mayuk

3. Discussion Questions "What are some similarities and differences between these examples of previous murals? How does an artist handle revisions to the design of a mural? How do artists create digital mockups or sketches to visualize the mural on the wall? What type of mural does the artist specialize in: realism, abstract, or illustrative? What is your experience with public art? Do you think this method would be helpful for drawing other things? How do artists make their artwork today? Is there something that could be improved in this artwork? How does someone become an artist? When did the artist start making artwork? What happens when two geometric shapes (triangles, squares, ovals, diamonds) overlap? Does the geometric shapes (triangles, squares, ovals, diamonds) create a new color?"

Lesson Activities

1. Fill in positive space (diamonds) with color combinations (neutral colors, warm/cool colors, analogous colors) of the Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

2. Fill in the negative space (background) with color combinations (neutral colors, warm/cool colors, analogous colors) of the Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

3. Write personal signature on two individual construction paper diamonds before adding to the final Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, masking tape, glue sticks, roll paper, construction paper)

Lesson Activities

1. Outline personal signature three times before adding two individual construction paper circles to the final Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

2. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

3. Use shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, light source) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Geometric Tessellation Grid Mural

Artist Examples

Student Examples

Saturday, April 28, 2018

TANTALIZING TESSELLATIONS

Tantalizing Tessellations

Learning Targets

I can...

Create a Tantalizing Tessellation using drawing techniques learned in class
Use pentomino shapes (hexagon, rectangle, circle), complementary colors (blue, orange; yellow, purple; red, green), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Dutch Graphic Artist (1898-1972) M.C.Escher
Use optical illusions (cognitive, movement, brightness) and design principles (balance, repetition, emphasis) based on Decorative Art
Define Tessellation (an unreal, deceptive, or misleading appearance or image)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Night And Day (1938) M.C. Escher

2. Read "Toads & Tessellations" by Sharon Morrisette

3. Discussion Questions "Do you have an awareness and appreciation for the work of M.C. Escher? How does the artist use rotation and translation to create tessellations? How did the artist effectively use color and repetition to create a strong design?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 5" by 5" Cardstock

2. Choose 9" by 9" Drawing Paper

3. Cut & Tape pieces together to make a new pentomino shape (hexagon, rectangle, circle)

Reminder:

Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Paper

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Tantalizing Tessellations for Assigned Table

2. Sky And Water (1938) M.C. Escher

3. Discussion Questions "Do you think a circle or oval could tessellate a plane? Do any shapes cover the space exactly? How can you explain the movement of one tile to another tile? Did everyone use the same number of shapes in their tessellations? Why might the number of shapes vary among students? How many different arrangements did you discover?"