Op Art and the Elements of Art – 5 Optical Illusion Lessons for Elementary Art

• Op Art Hearts
• Op Art Hands
• Op Art Vertical Lines
• Op Art Converging Lines
• Op Art Waves

• Vocabulary & Definitions (2 pages) – Essential terms explained for easy understanding.
• Teacher Instructions (9 pages) – Simple, guided steps for each project.
• Student Illustrated Instructions (15 pages) – Visual guides to make learning easier.
• Rubrics & Labels (6 pages) – Grading and classroom organization made simple.
• Coloring Pages (12 pages) – Fun, ready-to-use designs.Contrasting Colors Presentation (28 slides) – Engaging digital resource to introduce color theory.
• Contrasting Colors Lesson (6 pages) – A complete lesson on complementary colors.

• No Prep Needed – Print and teach with minimal setup.
• Perfect for Subs – Easy-to-follow instructions allow any teacher to use it.
• Great for All Grade Levels – Works for elementary and middle school students.
• Supports Art Standards – Reinforces key concepts like color complements, converging lines, and shading techniques.

If you are interested in viewing the Prezi I created, here is a link:

Op Art Prezi

If you would like some more ideas about using the Op Art Heart lesson to teach color theory, here is my Op Art Heart Color Study Blog Post. (This would also work for the Op Art Hand lesson.)

If you’d like to see some techniques I used to add color to this lesson, take a look at the Techniques for Op Art blog post. 

This lesson includes my Contrasting Colors lesson. (This is the same packet that is for sale in my store).  Click here to see more information about this lesson:

Learning About Contrasting Colors

This lesson works well with both elementary art and older students.

Here’s what some teachers of older students said…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I used this resource as a project to gauge how well students were able to use colored pencils to shade and highlight. I teach Art 1 where students have very little knowledge and confidence in their art abilities, and this resource was a great way for students to be successful!

~ Callie D.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was awesome for my 6th graders for my sub to do with them. It kept them engaged all week and some of them haven’t finished and ask when they get to work on it again!

~ Kira B.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Used during the final days of school with my 7th and 8th graders. Easy to print and go. Would be good to leave with substitutes or for days where you just need something easy and engaging.

~ Natalie M.

✨Start exploring the world of op art and the elements of art today with Op Art and the Elements of Art. ✨

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Easily download this zip file with a link that is automatically emailed to you immediately after your purchase and you can begin using this lesson right away!

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If you have a Mac computer, just click on the zip file and it will create a folder (almost magically) filled with all the goodies you just purchased.

Windows uses File Explorer to open zipped files.  Here are some easy instructions from Microsoft in case you’ve not done this before.

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Expressive Monkey makes low-prep, high-engagement resources that help students build confidence and express themselves through ART!

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Created by Stacey Peters, © Expressive Monkey

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.