Children love learning about the OP Art movement and creating unique optical designs. Follow our step-by-step Op art tutorial for kids to create fun shaded “wiggly line” designs.
This step-by-step Op Art drawing has been a favorite on our site since it was published in January 2023. Erin has updated this art lesson with more precise instructions, printable PDF, key takeaways and a how-to video in May 2025. Happy drawing!
Elementary Art Lesson
This is a great time to help explain what an art movement is.
We liked to explain to kids that it would be like 4 of them realized they were all making art with the same style and ideas in the 1960s.
How To Explain Op Art To Kids
Have them guess what they think “Op” stands for. They know optical illusions and understand that artists made art around this concept.
Artist Inspiration
Bridget Riley: is best known for her black-and-white images that appear to move or blur together. Our favorite artwork of Riley’s is Cataract 3, painted in 1967.
Victor Vasarely: is known to be the father of the Op Art movement. He uses more geometric shapes and color in his work to great confusion with depth. Vega 222, painted 1969-1970, and his other sphere artworks are some of our favorites.
Analyzing and Discussing
Look at a variety of artworks from the Op art movement. Use some of the following questions to get a discussion going with children.
What colors do you see? Why do you think some are only black and white?
How does the artist challenge your eye?
If something is repeated, what happens to the shapes or sizes?
Why would they use patterns?
How does this artwork make you feel?
Post a Comment