MandalasThis week’s art

challenge is to use a variety of shapes

and patterns in order to create a circular work of

art.

MVES Art Activity Grades K & 1st May 12 – May 18

What are Mandalas?

The word mandala means circle. Many people around the world make mandalas and other types of circular art. Here are some examples:

This is a Tibetan Sand Mandala. Tibet is in Asia.

This is the Aztec Calendar Stone. It is in Mexico and is over 500 years old.

This is a Navajo Sand Painting. The Navajo are American Indians.

Many people find drawing, painting and coloring mandalas to be relaxing. Some people enjoy working on them together!

Mandalas show radial symmetry

In radial symmetry, shapes are divided from the center, like a pizza, a pie, or a flower. Each piece is equal in size.Whatever happens in one piece happens in every piece!

We can also see circular designs and radial symmetry in nature!

Ready to begin?You will need:

• A piece of paper, any kind

• Drawing or painting tools, whatever you have and wish to use

• About 30 minutes (or more if you get into it!) ☺

1. Draw a circle. We recommend starting with a pencil.

It’s up to you if you would like to do this freehand, trace something or use a compass. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

2. Draw a line down the center.

3. Draw another line, dividing your circle into 4 parts

4. Draw two more lines,dividing your circle into 8 parts.

5. Draw a circle in the middle and erase the lines inside.

6. Now for the creative part! Design your mandala. Use a variety of lines and shapes in order to add your details and make it your awn unique work of art!

Here is an example in marker. Think about putting something in the center that is special to you.

Here are some line and pattern examples to spark your creativity!

• To share:

• Please click here to go to our padlet page and post a photo of your artwork!

• You may also post to our school’s facebook site if you’d like!

We would love to see your artwork when you’re finished!

Sources• Slide 1:

❖Creative commons

• Slide 2:❖https://www.britannica.com/topic/mandala-diagram❖Tibetan Sand Mandala: http://web.mit.edu/metta/mandala/mandala2009.shtml❖Navajo Sand Painting: http://www.thecobbs.com/auction-2017-01-14-lot-173.html❖Aztec Calendar Stone: https://www.kidsdiscover.com/quick-reads/understanding-mysterious-aztec-sun-stone/

• Slide 3:❖Mandala: creative commons❖http://4mamaearth.org/2016/03/11/art-therapy-for-kids/

• Slide 5:❖Creative commons

• Slide 7:❖Teacher’s examples

• Slide8:❖Patterns: https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/patterns-for-meditative-drawing.html❖Lines: https://chsdigitaldesign1.weebly.com/design-and-terminology.html

Created by L. Kendall 5/2020