Disappearing Squares

Disappearing Squares
Idea submitted by Jeremy Pritchatt.

Jeremy writes: "Cut out 5-8cm squares of pictures from old magazines (preferably ensuring the subject is not recognisable but that you just have squares of colours). Stick one square onto a piece of A4 sugar paper and tell the children to extend the square by matching up the colours and (shapes) so that it is impossible to see where the magazine ends and their work begins. As they work out towards the edges of the sugar paper, the picture becomes their own as they fade out/blend the original colours. Pastels and paints are good media since colours can be mixed easily. It also works particularly well if they mix the media - eg. start around the square with one media before switching to another. I have tried this activity with years 3 to 6 with good results."