Quick Start Expectations
1. Fill in planner and HW record sheet
Polyptych Project – 2 squares (due by…?)
Packet #1 – “Final Review”
3. Get signature on HWRS
4. Begin reading directions for the
Polyptych Project
What is a Polyptych?
A polyptych is a piece of art in four or more parts.
• In this case, we will do a study of 4 types of
symmetry found in both art and math.
• Often you will find these types of symmetry
reflected in nature as well.
• In art, we often refer to the symmetry as
balance. What is meant by this is how the piece
is visually balanced.
• Art work that doesn’t apply a type of balance is
often very unsettling to the eye.
A couple of examples of completed Polyptych Projects…
A few more examples …
• Each piece of the polyptych is done on a 5.5”
square piece of paper.
• Any type of drawing medium (pencil, colored
pencil, crayon, or marker) is acceptable.
• All space on the square must be used.
• When all four are complete, they will be
mounted together for display.
Square ONE: Reflection Symmetry
Another way to think of this is “mirror-image”. What is
found on one side of the central line will be found in exact
duplication on the other side. Examples in nature are
abundant; the human body and most other mammals are
examples.
To create reflective symmetry:
1. Fold the square paper in half.
2. On each side of the half-way line, draw geometric shapes in
the same placement and of the same size.
3. Fill the space on both sides to create an interesting design.
Shapes may cross the central line but must mirror each
other in order to maintain symmetrical balance.
4. If color is desired, then the color should also keep the
symmetry.
Can you find the line or lines of reflection?
Square TWO: Asymmetrical
symmetry or balance
A way to think of this is an old-fashion balancing
scale used for trade. The merchants will measure
goods on one side of the scale and place weights
on the other side to balance the scales, thus
determining the value of the goods. Again, natural
examples are plentiful. Most plants and trees are
good examples of asymmetrical balance.
To create asymmetrical symmetry:
1. Fold the paper in half.
2. On each side of the half-way line, draw geometric
shapes that balance each other but are not exactly
the same. For example, the left side may contain a
large circle, colored in solid. It may take several
shapes on the right side to balance the visual weight
of the circle.
3. Fill the space on both sides of the central line to
create an interesting design. Shapes may cross the
center line but the visual balance must remain intact.
4. If color is desired, then the weight of the colors must
be taken into account. Darker colors feel heavier than
light, bright colors. It is possible to upset the balance
of design by not balancing the colors.
Can you see the asymmetrical symmetry,
or balance?