Design in 5th Grade

There are somethings that are universally understood as good design in our culture.  Today we explored some principles called variety, balance, proportion, and rhythm as it may pertain to non-objective paintings.
Students were directed to use a variety of colors, and shapes, but then also to repeat them all over to create rhythm.   Different sizes were used to add proportion, but then everything had to stay balanced by way of even distribution of these elements.  Here are some results from our first class.  While some finished, others did not. We will work again during our next class either creating new paintings or finishing our old ones.