Frank Stella is an American artist known for his large abstract and colorful, geometric paintings. He was  also part of the  Minimalist movement developed in the USA in the 1960s.  It is characterized by abstract artworks composed of simple geometric shapes and colors.  Whereas most art tries to imitate or represent something, Minimalism does the opposite. It does not pretend to be anything other than what it is (paint, simple geometric shapes). In some cases, minimalist artist reduces art to its most pure and essential forms.

Students created their own Frank Stella inspired compositions. We used this project as an opportunity to practice color mixing and basic painting skills. Students were instructed to mix a number of different colors and then to experiment and try mixing some colors that Frank Stella used. 

Top Left Image: Ysabella Enriquez 8

Middle Left Image: Ashley Baltazar 8

Bottom Left Image: Sarah Moreno 8

Students practiced mixing values around an animal silhouette of their choice.  After selecting a color, they started by mixing a light value closest to the animal. From that point, each layer  becomes a slightly darker value. Students mixed white with their color for the first 3-4 values and then a little black on the outside values. The result creates a glowing or vibrating effect around the animal.  In addition to mixing values, student also practiced painting edges and brush control.

Left Image: Angela Mendoza 8