Op Lines with Victor Vasarely

Discussion: Line

what is a line?

how important do you think it is for art?

let’s name a few lines: Diagonal, Curved, spiral, think, thick, wavy,etc...

             want to see drawn lines on paper begin to move?

show Victor Vasarely’s work, then begin to rotate it. 

Op Art: Op art works are abstract, with many of the better known pieces made in only black and white. When the viewer looks at them, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping.

Op is short for optical illusion. Thinking we see something that we don’t. 

Victor Vasarely, (vah-zah-RAY-lee)

1906-1997

born Hungarian:

was a Hungarian born French artist: sculpture, painter printmaker 

He led the development of the op art movement

Op-Art: an artistic style that uses geometric abstraction

Began painting in 1943

Style is characterized by BRIGHT VIBRANT COLORS geometric forms and suggestive movement

Style influenced by KANDINSKY and KLEE

Zebra, created by Vasarely in the 1930s, is considered by some to be one of the earliest examples of Op-art. 

Vasarely died in Paris in 1997

for additional information, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Vasarely

PROJECT: 

Create an Op Art Pice using Black lines

Step1:Draw three or more rounded shapes anywhere on your paper

Step2: Add concentric lines around each original shape

keep them close together but not touching

Step3: Add another concentric line around each original shape and continue until 

you fill the space. 

Step4: remember to have the lines be as close together without touching

Step5: hold up your piece and see if it moves to you. Rotate it to add movement

MATERIALS: 

White paper

Black Pens or sharpies

This wonderful lesson plan was found in Arts and Activities for more information visit their site: www.artsandactivities.com.  This lesson is perfect for a first day activity. Additional photo's of student work: