Making Art from Numbers

Lesson Submitted by: Ken Rohrer, University of Phoenix Faculty
Integration of Math and Art
Lesson: Number Art / ASCII Art
Grade level: 4 - 8

Introduction

Some artists have used numbers in their art. Artists such as Charles Demuth andJasper Johns use large numbers in several of their paintings. ASCII artists also use numbers to create their pictures. There is another way to use numbers. You can use numbers to create geometric shapes and other designs. See the examples below.

Procedure

Some mathematical equations create symmetry and repetition. If you multiply a number by eight and multiply and add numbers in increments, you get an interesting answer (see above top). As you add more numbers, the shape becomes triangular and the numbers repeat themselves. There are several other number shapes that can be created (see below). You can have students solve the problems themselves to create the shapes or you can simply show these examples on a white board or overhead.

After students practice with the problems for a time, tell them that they are going to take those same problems to create a geometric work of art. Only numbers may be used in creating the art. They don't necessarily need to have only the problems above. A rectangle could include all 0's for example.

You can also use some ASCII characters along with the numbers if need be to add details such as the fish below. Review some of the ASCII pictures on the Scarecrow if you have time. It is up to the teacher if students stick strictly with geometric shapes.

Students will then lightly draw their numbers on their 18" x 24" (45.7 x 61 cm) paper with a pencil. Once they are sure they have the design they want, they may then color over the lines with either thin tipped markers or colored pencils. This lesson can also coincide with a lesson on pattern and repetition in art.

An example of what the finished product might look like is below:

Materials

• 18" x 24" (46 x 61 cm) white Drawing Paper

• Drawing Pencils

• Ultra-Fine Point Markers and/or Colored Pencils

Resources

Geometry of Design: Studies in Proportion and Composition (Archive) - Kimberly Elam takes the reader on a geometrical journey, lending insight and coherence to the design process by exploring the visual relationships that have foundations in mathematics as well as the essential qualities of life.

Drawing With Letters and Numbers - Helps kids realize how easy it can be to turn a few simple lines into recognizable figures and images.

Drawing With Numbers and Letters

- This book instructs you step-by-step through some stylized drawings of animals using simple letter and number shapes.

Links

Introducing Children to Numbers- A blog that tells how to have activities that help children with number recognition.

Pop Art Machine- This page has art with the number "7."

Blue Creek Home (Archive) - This blog shows how number art adorns a house.

Beautiful Numbers- An art lesson by Kinder Art.