BMUFSD: Fourth Graders Create Halloween-Themed Op Art

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2023-10-31

The term “op art” was coined in the 1960s in response to an exhibit of optical paintings. It is a form of abstract art that uses optical illusions.

In Paul Villanueva’s art class at Todd, students recently created their own versions of op art, using Halloween-themed objects and colors.

Fourth graders in Lorraine McDermott and Melissa Magliulo’s class first created drafts on their iPads and then used paper to draw and color their op art projects.

Mr. Villanueva discussed with them how op art can look like a 3D image and can appear as an optical illusion to the viewer.

He showed students how to create it on paper: he drew a small jack-o’-lantern and a ghost and discussed positive and negative space, explaining that the main objects in the drawing are the positive space.

Next, he used a ruler to draw parallel lines that were one inch apart to create negative space.

“If you want to make the illusion more powerful, you can draw more lines and mark every half inch,” he said.

He then connected lines between the objects and the parallel lines using different types of “connectors,” such as curved or zigzag lines, to make the 3D images stand out more.

Students drew their objects and lines. After drawing, they colored everything using crayons, markers or sharpies.

“We are using contrasting colors, preferably Halloween colors, to help make the 3D effect,” Mr. Villanueva said.

“I’m drawing a pumpkin, a ghost and a bat,” Balin said. “And I drew a skeleton guy who is shooting an arrow at the bat.”

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.