3D Illusions with Easy Grids
From Escher and the Droste Effect
In many ways, graphic art is the visual interpretation of math. Grids are a great example of this.
From the Math in Your Feet blog
Grids are found everywhere in art. In fact, your kid or student may be drawing grids already, like the ones we described in “Do your kids draw grids?” post. If you want to contribute pictures of your kid’s grids, email us at moby@moebiusnoodles.com
Drawing grids involves building two-dimensional shapes using a row and column structure. Visually exploring these two dimensions helps develop spatial and algebraic reasoning.
Grids are a good starting point for understanding two-dimensional shapes, and the same spacial reasoning can be used to give the illusion of three dimensions. By warping grids in parallel with a figure, a person can create the optical illusion of volume where there is none.
From Color, Craft, Create blog
Using nothing but paper, a circular object such as a cup, and a pencil or two, you can introduce your kid to the wild, wild world of three-dimensional volume. The project instructions found here show how you can create the illusion of a sphere by adding parallel lines to the two-dimensional shape.
Using a ruler, a pencil, coloring supplies, and these simple instructions, your kid can easily create an impressive work of art using parallel lines and complementary colors that accentuate the 3D illusion.
A common tradition in kid’s art is drawing hands, so kids will be comfortable tracing their hands in order to do this colorful 3D project.
Because of the use of grids, even kids who can’t draw well will be able to create these vibrant, engaging pictures.
Drawing colorful pictures is a great project that will get your kid excited about even more adventures with math art.
Have fun!
Marina Mersenne is a student, writer, and autodidact. As a lifetime unschooler, Marina takes part in discussions concerning learning and educational systems. With Moebius Noodles, she hopes to expand on alternative ways of learning and teaching mathematics.
Posted in Make
This is a great post. Thank-you!