Numbers, Paint and Jasper Johns

Do you want to create art with numbers? 

If so, simply gather cardboard or poster board, pencils, safety scissors (or a knife -- with adult assistance), paint, brushes and magic markers. Glue and glitter are optional. 

Ready set go and choose a number, any number. 

Next, draw your number, nice and large on cardboard or poster board. 

Then cut the number out. 

Finally, draw some fun designs on the number shape and using magic markers or paint, fill in the designs. You might also wish to add some glue and glitter when you are all finished.

Did you know...

Artists throughout history have used numbers in their artwork. One of these artists is Charles Demuth, an American painter who lived from 1883 to 1935. One his most well-known paintings is called "The Figure 5 in Gold". This painting was inspired by a poem by William Carlos Williams who wrote, "Among the rain and lights, I saw the figure 5 in gold, on a red firetruck..."

Another artist who loves to use numbers in his art is Jasper Johns, an American artist born in 1930. He hides numbers in his paintings and collages so you really have to look closely to find them.

Now you know.

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Lesson: Andrea Mulder-Slater

Illustration: Geoff Slater