Lesson Overview
This lesson is going to explore two concepts: Complimentary colour usage and tessellation.
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At the end students will have created an M.C. Escher style image using three colours and a black pen/marker for definition.
Students will use two primary colours and a complimentary colour in the design of a tessellation pattern. (See palette options)
Basics Tessellation Design
Students will be introduced to tessellation patterns including varied levels of complexity. The works of M.C. Escher can be introduced and used as either inspiration or a reference. (See examples below)
Examples will be passed around. Cut outs and full patterns with design element’s highlighted (triangle/square/hexagon). Blackboard can be used to provide live teacher example of basic design of a tessellation.
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The leaf pattern below is a good example of a reasonable straightforward triangle based tessellation.
Triangle based tesselation
Basics of Colour Theory
Printable colour wheel and palette
Basics Tessellation Design tutorial
Advanced Tessellation Design tutorial
Above image as cutouts
In class activity
Tesselation pattern will need to be 6 – 9 tiles. Tiles are required to be individually cut and then glued and linked on a small Mayfair sheet. Tiles can break the edges of paper. One tile must be ‘stand alone’ as a visual accent and so teacher can evaluate strength of craftsmanship of tile design.
Example composition of tiles:
Students will use scrap or printer paper to design their tessellation (Pencil or pen drawing). Hexagon, and triangle stencils can be provided for design purposes.
Colour will be based with chosen palette. Mixing with pastels is acceptable although palette colours are expected to be visible/prominent to hightlight the contrast of the complimentary colours.
Level of complexity expected can be adjusted based on fine motor skills of students.
Carbon paper can be provided to transfer design.
Students can design large, reduction accomplished by photocopier.
Number of tiles can be reduced based on individual situation.
Teacher can provide accommodations for students if they have any colour blindness issues. (Palettes can be adjusted to accommodate)
Gifted students can add complexity of design to their tessellation pattern.
Alberta Program of Study
Compositions:
EXTEND THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND FAMILIARITY WITH THE ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN THROUGH PRACTISE IN COMPOSING TWO- AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES.
Concepts A. Colour and value concepts are important components of an artist’s compositional skill.