MandalasThis week’s art

challenge is to use a

variety of shapes

and patterns in

order to show radial

symmetry in a

circular work of art.

MVES Art Activity Grades 2 – 5 May 12 – May 18

What are Mandalas?The word mandala is Sanskrit and means circle. Many eastern cultures create mandalas, and circular art has been popular throughout history in cultures all over the world.

Tibetan Sand Mandala Aztec Calendar StoneNavajo Sand Painting

Window in the ruins of LanguidouAbbey, France

Mosaic tilePlace El-Hedine, Meknes, Moroco

PA Dutch Sign “Abundant Prosperity”

Roman mosaic,Tarentum, Italy. 2nd century CE.

Many people find drawing or painting mandalas to be relaxing. Drawing, painting and coloring mandalas has become popular. Some people enjoy working on them together!

Mandalas show radial symmetry

In radial symmetry, shapes are divided from the center, like a pizza, a pie, or a flower. Each piece is equal in size.Whatever happens in one piece happens in every piece!

We can find circular designs and radial symmetry in nature!

Ready to begin?

You will need:

• A piece of paper, any kind

• Drawing or painting tools, whatever you have and wish to use

• About 30 minutes (or more if you get into it!) ☺

1. Draw a circle. We recommend a pencil for this part.

It’s up to you if you would like to do this freehand, trace something or use a compass. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

2. Draw a line down the center.

3. Draw another line, dividing your circle into 4 parts

4. Draw two more lines. Dividing your circle into 8 parts.

5. Draw a circle in the middle and erase the lines inside.

6. Now for the creative part! Design your mandala. Remember radial symmetry: Whatever you do in one space, do in the others! Or at least three of the others!

Here is an example in marker. Think about putting something in the center that is special to you.

Think about using different types of lines, shapes and patterns.

•To share:• Please click here to go to our padlet page and post a photo of your

artwork!

• You may also post to our school’s facebook site if you’d like!

We would love to see your artwork when you’re finished!

Sources• Slide 1:

❖ Creative commons

• Slide 2:❖ https://www.britannica.com/topic/mandala-diagram❖ Tibetan Sand Mandala: http://web.mit.edu/metta/mandala/mandala2009.shtml❖ Navajo Sand Painting: http://www.thecobbs.com/auction-2017-01-14-lot-173.html❖ Aztec Calendar Stone: https://www.kidsdiscover.com/quick-reads/understanding-mysterious-aztec-sun-stone/

• Slide 3:❖ Ruins of Languidou Abbey: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Plovan_Ruines_de_Languidou_rosace.JPG❖ Roman mosaic: https://www.ancient.eu/image/7053/geometrical-mosaic-tarentum/❖ Morocan Mosaic Tile: Creative Commons❖ PA Dutch Hex Sign: http://www.dutchhexsign.com/detailAbundProsp.html

• Slide 4:❖ Mandala: creative commons❖ http://4mamaearth.org/2016/03/11/art-therapy-for-kids/

• Slide 6:❖ Creative commons

• Slide 8:❖ Teacher’s examples

• Slide 9:❖ Patterns: https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/patterns-for-meditative-drawing.html❖ Lines: https://chsdigitaldesign1.weebly.com/design-and-terminology.html

Created by L. Kendall 5/2020