Welcome! This blog post features a guided tutorial of how to create a geometric, Bauhaus-inspired paper collage. Prior to beginning, it is helpful to learn more about the Bauhaus art movement. Some of the key characteristics of Bauhaus art includes (1) simple, geometric shapes, (2) basic color schemes, and (3) asymmetrical balance. This activity challenges artists to depict these 3 characteristics in one composition. Throughout this explorative visual puzzles, artists will learn how to be intuitive about the art making process. The possibilities of each individual design is endless!
* Hey educators! Scroll below to purchase this ready-for-class instructional lesson.*
Materials:
- 12″ x 12″ paper (white or another color of your choice)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
- 16 cut paper squares (2.5″ x 2.5″ each) as seen in the figure. 4 squares of each color, 4 colors total.
Step 1:
Within your 10″ x 10″ square picture plane, divide the square into 4 vertical sections at 2.5″ …. 5″ …. and 7.5.”
*It is very important to draw these lines VERY lightly!These lines will be erased throughout the process*
Step 2:
Then, very lightly draw 4 horizontal sections at 2.5″ …. 5″ …. and 7.5.” This will create a grid of 16 square sections.
Step 3:
Now, the fun part! It’s time to begin cutting geometric shapes. Geometric shapes are structured, angular, and precise. Geometric shapes include circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles… to name a few!
There is no *one way* to approach this process. One recommended method is to arrange row-by-row. Within the 4 squares of the top row, strive or a visually pleasing sense of asymmetrical balance using my 4 colors and a variety of geometric shapes.
**IMPORTANT TIPS** Craftsmanship is very important in this process. To ensure clean straight edges on geometric shapes, it is helpful to draw with pencil on the BACK side of the paper squares prior to cutting. Be thoughtful about how you cut up the squares, so you can repurpose the “negative” pieces into shapes throughout the composition. As you glue cut shapes, be considerate of proper, neat glue application.
Step 4:
Continue to the second row. Consider how to visually balance this row with the row above. Are colors place throughout? Does one square look too heavy? Are the varied shapes working well together?
Take a moment to erase out any visible pencil lines. You may want to do this before glueing.
Step 5:
Continue to develop your Bauhaus-inspired design. Aim to use ALL the paper in your composition, even the small scraps!
Step 6:
Finalize your composition by glueing down all geometric shapes, erasing out any visible pencil, and ensuring a sense of successful asymmetrical balance.
You may want to finalize by applying a layer of Mod Podge on top or trimming the edges.
*Hey teachers!* If you’re interested in this lesson, which features a full slideshow presentation, specific grading rubric and teacher tips document. Once purchased, the presentation will be emailed to you promptly. This is also available on my Tpt- click here!
Thanks for checking out this blog post. I would love to see your creation if you use these steps to make a Bauhaus-inspired paper collage. Feel free to tag me on Instagram and possibly get featured in this site! Also, please follow Make a Mark Studios on Facebook to keep up with the latest posts! Thanks in advance!
-Stephanie Villiotis, creator of Make a Mark Studios
Hi! What grade did you do this project in? Thanks so much! How fun!
Hi Amy! This project was completed with my 6-8th grade middle school intro to art students 🙂 Hope this helps and thank you for the kind words 🙂
Oh thank you! How lucky are we to have you sharing your amazing ideas with the world. Perfect! I appreciate your help so much!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Amy! 🙂