Build Shape Art
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What you will learn
- 1Identify and use 2D geometric shapes to create artwork
- 2Apply knowledge of shape properties in a creative context
Mini Lesson
Artists and architects use geometric shapes every day! By combining rectangles, triangles, circles, squares, and other polygons, you can create composite shapes, patterns, and almost any picture. Knowing the properties of each shape helps you choose the right one for each part of your picture.
2D Shape Properties
- Triangle: 3 sides, 3 angles. Can be equilateral, isosceles, or scalene.
- Square: 4 equal sides, 4 right angles, 4 lines of symmetry.
- Rectangle: 4 right angles, opposite sides equal, 2 lines of symmetry.
- Circle: no straight sides, no corners, infinite lines of symmetry.
- Pentagon: 5 sides and 5 angles.
- Hexagon: 6 sides and 6 angles.
- Rhombus: 4 equal sides, opposite angles equal, 2 lines of symmetry.
- Trapezoid: 1 pair of parallel sides.
Symmetry in Art
- A line of symmetry divides a shape into two mirror-image halves.
- Shapes with more lines of symmetry look more balanced in art.
- Real-world objects often have bilateral symmetry (one line down the middle).
Words to know
Shape
The form of an object — like a circle, square, or triangle
e.g. My art uses many shapes.
Polygon
A closed shape with straight sides
e.g. A hexagon is a polygon with 6 sides.
Symmetry
When two halves of a shape match exactly
e.g. My butterfly art has symmetry.
Pattern
Something that repeats in a regular way
e.g. I made a pattern of triangles and squares.
Composite shape
A new shape made by combining smaller shapes
e.g. My house is a composite shape — a square plus a triangle.
Before drawing your shape art, sketch which shapes you will use. Plan: "The body = rectangle, head = square, arms = trapezoid!"
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