Radial Designs

Radial designs start from a central point and radiate out like the spokes of a wheel or the rays of the sun. Radial designs build upon patterning concepts and skills. However, they are more difficult to create than patterns since the position and spatial orientation of the lines and shapes change in each section of the design.

To create a radial design is to play with the intersection of one’s own inventive ideas and a set of rules.

When creating radial designs, students develop and practice:

• hand and paper orientation
• planning, placement and spatial skills
• working with a set of rules
• using mathematical variables such as number, grouping, direction, alternation, position and length
• analytical thinking skills
• systematic approaches to building a design

radial design
number
position
alternate
grouping
direction
spacing
placement

• Large line tools- one per student, a few in reserve
• Small line tools – one per student (in reserve)
• 12 x 18” (30 x 46 cm) or 18 x 24” (46 x 61 cm) or a square paper
• One color of tempera paint in a squeeze bottle to start, a second color of paint and more trays in reserve.
• Trays or small coated paper plates
• Found objects, one per child (in reserve, if needed)

• Cover tables with newspaper if desired
• Place large paper at each student’s place
• Place large line tool at each place
• Have trays of paint in reserve until after children have time to practice printing a pattern with their large line tool
• *When distributing paint, you may wish to give ½ the class one color and the other ½ the second color, then switch the tools and trays halfway through

Engage

What is a radial design? How could you make one?

Look for radial designs on plates, platters, and jewelry, as well as in flowers, on clothing, and in machine parts and the built environment. Show an example of a radial design. Ask students to point out and name elements that repeat – lines, shapes, markings, colors.

De La Cal Barreira, Spain

Many radial designs appear complicated, but when you look closely, you will see that the elements are really just basic lines and shapes. It is the number of elements and the way they are placed that make them look so complex.

Explore

Demonstrate the directions for getting started. Discuss the variables of direction, position, and number – as you demonstrate. Build on suggestions from your students.

As she demonstrates, the teacher discusses the variables of direction, position, and number that the children also used when creating patterns.

Just show enough to give students an idea of how to begin.

Remind students that these are the same variables they used to create patterns – but more challenging.

Create

Step 1 – Watch 3rd & 4th Graders Print Radial Designs

• Print an X or + in the middle of the paper.
• Repeat the same line in the same position in each wedge. (Turning the paper as you work can help with placement!)
• Remember to use the variables of direction, number, spacing …

To Print a Radial Design

*Notice the sequence in which the teacher changes the materials.

• Try crossing and connecting lines.
• Work out to the edge of the paper.
• Add a second color.

Consider adding the small straight line tool or a found object.

Let students know that creating radial designs is challenging. Ask why this might be difficult, and explore ways to stay on track (turning the paper, stepping back to look before you print).

Share & Reflect

Pattern to Radial

Pattern to Radial

Dylan (age 8) builds upon the design configuration that he developed while printing a pattern.

Embellishing

Found objects, added at the very end, embellish radial designs and add contrast.

Kevin (age 8) and Taylor (age 8)

Variations & Extensions

Spontaneous Radials

Developmentally, age 3-5 is known as the Design Stage. Line printing is a medium that allows children to further their design explorations.

During her first experience with line printing, Olivia (age 3) created this beautiful radial design. She said, “It’s a Ferris wheel.”

While printing patterns for the first time, Abby (age 5) printed a radial design between her two line patterns. She figured out how to do this by herself and taught other children how to do it as well.

Draw a Radial Design

Drawing Radial Designs

Create a template and photocopy

Getting started:

• Start in the middle of a wedge.
• Repeat the same line or shape in each wedge in the same place.
  
• Choose a new shape or line and repeat.
• Use the outside circle in any way that you wish.

Create a Radial Design from Found Materials

Create a Radial Design or Mandala with natural materials or found objects.