Abstract art created by fourth grade students

Students viewed abstract artwork by various artists and discussed some of the different elements of design used in the work.  When beginning ideas for their own artwork, students were encouraged to explore different mediums such as chalk pastel, oil pastels, paint, and colored pencil.  They were instructed to convey an idea or emotion through geometric or organic shape, line, or color. One example of an idea by one fourth grade student included representing fire, water, earth, and air by using organic line and pastels.  Another idea developed was conveying happiness through bright color and repeating line.  After the projects are complete, students will do some self reflection in art notebooks and view and discuss the artwork in small groups.