Wassily Kandinsky painting to music.

Wassily Kandinski was one of the first modern artists who painted abstract shapes to express feelings, rather than creating pictures of objects and people. Kandinski loved music, especially classical music. Often when he painted, he would listen to music and try to paint what the music made him feel. He compared the different musical notes to the colors of the rainbow. He tried to paint what the notes would look

like if they were colors instead of sounds. When Kandinsky painted the music he enjoyed, the result was beautiful images that are still appreciated today.

You can create art using the same method Kandinsky used. Prepare your art area with the supplies listed below. Turn on some music and sit with your eyes closed. Think about the way the music makes you feel. With your eyes still closed, imagine the sounds of the music as colors and shapes. What colors are you seeing? Are the colors bright or dark? Do the shapes have straight lines or are they soft and wavy? Open your eyes and try to paint what you saw in your mind.

FOR THIS PROJECT YOU WILL NEED:

#1 MUSIC

We recommend painting to classical music as Wassily Kandinsky did. Once you have practiced capturing how Kandinsky's favorite music makes you feel, try painting to some of your favorite songs.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

#2

PAPER

Thick heavy paper will work best with paint.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

#3

PAINTS

We recommend tempera or water color paint

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

#4

BRUSHES

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

#5

SMOCKS

#6

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Make sure you have some rags, sponges and warm soapy water to clean up after you have completed your painting for the day.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

#7

AN ADULT to supervise

# 8

FRIENDS!

This is a fun activity to do with your friends,

Once you have completed your paintings you can study each other's paintings. Tell your friends what their paintings make you feel and how you can see what they were feeling when they painted them. Kandinsky and his friends had a group they called The Blue Rider. These artists helped each other by commenting on each other's paintings and encouraging each other to paint more.