K - 2 Activities
These photos are examples of black “monochromatic art.” Monochromatic means “containing or using only one color.”
In this case, the examples are mainly using a range of white to black, and all the grays in between. Any color could be used to create monochromatic art, but for this project we are focusing on black and white, because they create a high “contrast”. Contrast in art means “opposite elements,” like light and dark.
Create: You will need a piece of black and white paper, a pencil, scissors, and glue.
Begin by choosing either the black or white paper to work on - you will draw a variety of shapes on the paper. Think about creating contrasting shapes - like ones with straight lines and ones with curved lines, some big and some small.
Next you will cut these shapes out. Once they are all cut, take some time to arrange them on the second piece of paper, the paper that has not been cut. Move them around until you like the layout, which is called the “composition.”
Once you are happy with the composition, glue them down and admire your creation!
Extension: You can do the same project but using a different colored piece of paper, like red and black, or blue and white. You can also choose two pieces of paper that are the same color but different values, like light blue and dark blue.
3 - 5 Activities
Find some magazines or newspapers and look for a photo showing at least someone’s face, it can include their body as well. You want one that is not too small. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to magazines, you can draw your own face.
First, cut out the image from the magazine making sure to cut along the hairline removing any hair.
Next, you will glue the hairless portrait to the bottom of a white piece of paper using a glue stick. Then, use a pencil to draw 5-7 curving, organic lines from the hairless head to the tops and sides of the paper.
With either a pencil or a pen/thin marker create a different zentangle in each section created by the curving lines you had drawn. Continue until you have filled in each section with a beautiful and intricate zentangle!
Look at the zentangle reference sheet for ideas.
Example with face drawn
Example with photo
Zentangle Reference Sheet - you may simplify designs as needed