Robin Gianis, Art Lesson Plan, October 2017
Circle Designs Inspired by Eastern Culture Mandalas from India and Tibet
Objectives- Students will:
1.
Become aware of the widespread use of Radial design in art through examples of mandala designs from
Eastern cultures.
2.
Understand specific math concepts as they relate to art: rotations, reflections, and symmetry, diameter,
radius, circumference
3.
Create a radial design inspired from exploration of the art element of line incorporating personal symbols,
and specific technical skills prescribed below in steps.
4.
Explore colors using watercolor pencils and paint.
5.
Show awareness of color planning in a limited selection of colors.
Materials: Pie-shaped template to fit 1/8 of the circle, circle template, drawing pencils, tracing paper, artist tape, watercolor
pencils, 19 inch square heavy stock white paper,
Historical Reference: A Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. In
common use, "mandala" has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos
metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.
The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the
general shape of a T. Mandalas often exhibit radial balance.
In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual
guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as a help to meditation and trance induction.
In the Aztec Culture, Circle Designs that radiated around the axis of a circle were the key artistic method employed to create
the Aztec calendars. The Aztec calendar is a symbol of various mesoAmerican Cultures, including Mexico. Honduras,
Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. The Aztec calendar symbolized rituals only, with no confirmed correlation to
astronomical or agricultural cycles.
VOCABULARY
Composition: A whole made up of multiple parts arranged in such a way that the relationships between the parts work
together to create a particular effect or meaning.
Rotation: the act of rotating or turning around as on an axis.
Reflection: the act of reflecting, as in mirroring, or giving back or showing an image; the state of being reflected in this way
Reflect: To reflect also means to think deeply, carefully, or introspectively about an object, place, process, idea, or
experience. We want to reflect on our process as we move towards completion for the best possible outcome.
Symmetry: the correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a line.
Diameter: a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and meeting the circumference or surface at each
end.
Radius: a straight line extending from the center of a circle to the circumference or surface
Circumference: The length of an outer boundary of a circle
Color Scheme: an arrangement or pattern of colors or colored objects conceived of as forming an integrated whole
Instruction/Motivation:
1. Show examples of Radial design in art – View My Prezi on Circle designs on the overhead.
2. Demonstrate a series of steps to make symmetrical design - and transferring to rest of circle
3. Demonstrate/review watercolor pencil techniques and watercolor techniques - blending of colors - varying pressure
for different values. Review color planning and limited palette (three colors plus black and white)
Procedures for making a Mandala:
1. Begin by imagining the possible designs. Create a design in a minimum of three pie-shaped templates, each the size
of an eighth of a circle, or a 45 degree angle. Draw out three possible line designs. Important: With each design you
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must connect the edge of one straight side to another with your lines. Lines must begin and end at the straight line at
least a three times for every design.
Once you have experimented with completing the three pie-shaped drawings, choose one for the final project.
Tracing paper is used to first trace the outside edges of the pie shape, and then the lines within. A minimum amount
of tape should be used to secure the piece while tracing. You must trace the pie outline exactly on the line… too big
or too small enlarge or shrink your design so it may not fit into your circle.
Once the tracing is complete, the outside edge of the pie shape will NEVER be traced again. It will only be used as a
guideline to transfer the design into the circle template. Do not transfer the outside of the pie shape to your final 19
inch square paper.
Using the circle template, align the pie piece into the center with the edges of the pie-shaped template carefully
marked and matched to notches (pre-made) along the circumference of the circle
With the pencil tracing side down, tape the tracing lightly around the outside of the circle. Trace over the design
inside the pie-shaped template. Do NOT trace the outside of the template.
Flip the design over, match its’ lines with the tracing just completed and the center of the circle, and tape lightly onto
the template on the outside of the circle. You should have a reflection. Trace over lines again to transfer the design
onto the circle.
Continue flip-flopping the pie-shaped template over and lining it up with the previously traced section in the same
manner. As you flip-flop around the circle, you will be creating reflections of your original design in a rotation
format. Check your work carefully before you move to the next position.
On the final piece, make sure your lines are aligned with both side as well as the center. Remove tracing paper.
Select a color plan. You may use no more than three colors for your color scheme. For example, green blue and
violet could include, light and darks of each color as well as black and white (considered neutrals, not colors).
Color around the circle design, making sure that colors are repeated around the design to maintain the designs radial
quality and symmetry. Use care to achieve a velvety texture with the colored pencils. Do not leave anything
uncolored. If you want it white, color it white. Use the watercolors to enhance your mandala and add depth of color
and texture.
Evaluation:
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4.
Did student exhibit radial balance and symmetry in completing a design?
Did students maintain neat, clean lines in the transferring of their pie-shaped design into a circle?
Did students exhibit craftsmanship in coloring their design with colored pencils?
Did students show color blending and varied values in their design?
NY State Standards Addressed:
Cr Creating Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
Pr Presenting Interpreting and sharing artistic work.
Re Responding: Understanding and evaluating how the arts convey meaning
Cn Connecting Relating artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.