8 sessions; 60 minutes per session

Student artists can explore line, shape, color, contrast, pattern, radial balance, repetition, and unity through the creation of a Mandala.

18” x 18” heavyweight paper
Extra-large compass (Recommended: class set)
Light-box or natural light source (Ex. Window)
Black permanent markers (Recommended: extra fine point)
Colored pencils
Conte pastel pencils (Optional)
Colored permanent markers
Washable colored markers
Assorted color crayons

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

Session 1: Discussion Mandala
Class discussion on the history of the Mandala, including their meaning and functions. Explore the variety of materials used over the course of time to create Mandalas (both two-dimensional and three-dimensional). (Recommendation: consider reviewing Environmental Installations Art/Earth Art.) Identify commonalities and differences in a variety of Mandalas.

Session 2: The Importance of Planning
Class discussion on why it is important in some cases to plan (scope and sequence) a work of art. Discuss thumbnail sketches expectations. Instructor demonstrates the creative process of creating a thumbnail sketch (modeling). Students create five thumbnail sketches that demonstrate a variety of creative approaches. Students discuss their thumbnails with a classmate and decide which they would like to use to create their Mandala.

Session 3: Trace, Trace, Trace
Class discussion on the importance of line in creation; emphasis on contour lines. Students trace their thumbnail sketch with an extra fine point black permanent marker. Place the traced thumbnail underneath the drawing paper (on lightbox) and begin tracing design over and over again, rotating the drawing paper in a circular motion. (Reminder: always secure drawing paper and thumbnail drawing to tracing surface so shifting does not occur.)

Session 4-7: Color Application and Craftsmanship
Class discussion on the importance of consistency in craftsmanship. Students select which dry media they would prefer to work with as they apply color to their Mandala (see list of optional media under ‘Necessary Materials’). After media selection has been made, students should completely apply color to one “slice” of their Mandala to represent their ‘master design’ before beginning other sections of their artwork. (Recommendation: students use their thumbnail sketch for testing colors for optimal contrast and unity.)

Session 8: Mandala Critique and Self-assessment
Class critique of self-portraits using TAG Review and self-assessment completion.
T: Tell something you like
A: Ask a question
G: Give a positive suggestion

Students will complete a self-assessment of their artwork by answering the following questions.

List three things you believe you did well as an artist. Be descriptive.

List at least one struggle you had during the creative process. Be descriptive.

Share what you learned as an artist from doing this project. Would you have done anything differently? Why or why not. Explain.

Mandala artists to note:

Carl Jung
Marie-Louise von Franz
Jamie Locke
Lize Beekman
Stephen Meakin
Kathy Klein – Environmental
Alea Joy – Environmental

[5-8] Students select media, techniques, and processes; analyze what makes them effective or not effective in communicating ideas; and reflect upon the effectiveness of their choices

[5-8] Students employ organizational structures and analyze what makes them effective or not effective in the communication of ideas

[5-8] Students use subjects, themes, and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of contexts, values, and aesthetics that communicate intended meaning in artworks

[5-8] Students describe and place a variety of art objects in historical and cultural contexts

[5-8] Students analyze contemporary and historic meanings in specific artworks through cultural and aesthetic inquiry

[5-8] Students compare the characteristics of works in two or more art forms that share similar subject matter, historical periods, or cultural context

Balance, Color/Value, Contrast, Line, Proportion/Size, Rhythm/Pattern, Shape, Unity/Harmony

Colored Pencil, Conte, Crayon, Drawing, Marker, Mixed Media, Pencil