Abstraction With Focal Point: 3rd Grade

I love abstract art, but I don't always love kids creating abstract art! ha ha  Sometimes it seems that they are just trying to copy what they see...and aren't listening to the questions that lead them to abstract art.  Know what I mean?  For this lesson I reviewed the Elements of Art & Principles of Design, looking both at realistic & abstract art.  We then focused on Focal Point, Balance, and Color.  During week one I had them create at drawing of an abstract piece with the above mentioned items.  They used marker and crayon to color it.  During week two...I gave them the first 15 min. to finish up their work.  Then I dropped the bomb!!! "YOU ARE NOW GOING TO CUT UP YOUR ART AND REASSEMBLE IT INTO A NEW PIECE!"  The gasps were hysterical.  We first reviewed Focal Point & Balance (color was already taken care of at this point).  They cut their pieces up & had time to arrange, rearrange, and rearrange again before gluing.  Once they came up with an arrangement they were happy with and fulfilled their Focal Point & Balance requirement...they glued their work down.  They did not have to use all of the original piece & overlapping was encouraged.  I then allowed them to use black crayon to outline, shade, segment, connect...WHATEVER!  The kids really enjoyed this project after getting over the shock of cutting up their work! ha ha

Brian Neher: DVD Series

I was contacted by a representative of Brian Neher asking if I'd be interested in previewing his video series.  I'm always excited to find new resources!!  The videos are wonderful, but not suited for elementary age children.  Not that any of the content is inappropriate, but the way it is presented is better suited for high school/young adult/adult audiences.  They are wonderful for beginners as well as seasoned artists.  

Here is the information provided by the representative...

"This video series focuses on teaching the individual principles of representational art (Drawing, Value, Color and Edges) and how to apply them directly to the medium of painting. In addition to these four videos, there is also another in the series (Painting Outdoor Light) which teaches and demonstrates how to use all four principles together while painting a head study in oil. You can view clips from each of the videos at http://www.BrianNeher.com/store.aspx  "  

Would the Real Principles of Design Please Step Forward?!!!?!

You think you know something, but then you realize you might not know it as well as you first thought!  I was working on a bulletin board and wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving any of the Principles of Design out.  When I googled it...the ones listed weren't exactly what I was thinking.  So what are the real  Principles of Design?  What do you use in your classroom? 

HERE ARE THE WORDS I'VE FOUND FOR PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Unity, Rhythem, Pattern, Movement, Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Harmony, Proximity, Dominance, Repetition, Gradation, Variety, Focal Point, Scale, Economy, Proportion