Painting between the lines

In abstract and computer generated art, a real object can be represented by a simplified set of lines. Can you create a picture using mathematical instructions?

Age

11 to 16

Challenge level

Being curious Being collaborative Being resourceful Being resilient

Problem

In abstract or computer generated art, a real object is often represented by a simplified set of shapes, lines or curves.

Take a look at the picture below:

The picture could be represented in an abstract way using straight lines:

If you wanted to describe mathematically the line segments used to draw this picture, all you would need to do is decide where to put the axes and then work out the equations of all the straight lines.

Here is a set of instructions to create an abstract representation of another well known landmark (download as a Word or PDF file).

Now try this for yourself - choose an image, perhaps a photograph of a famous location, or a famous painting.

Think how it might be broken down into shapes or segments of lines.

Can you create a set of instructions for your picture?

Once you have created your instructions, give them to a friend to follow.

Can you devise a way to describe mathematically each region so that you can give instructions for colouring your image?

You may wish to use curves as well as straight lines. To explore abstract art using more complicated mathematical functions, take a look at Painting by Functions.

Have a go at creating your image using a graphing software package such as Geogebra.

Please send us any of your creations (together with your instructions).

The pyramids photograph was taken by Przemyslaw "Blueshade" Idzkiewicz and is reproduced under a Creative Commons license.

Teachers' Resources

Why do this problem?

This problem gives an engaging opportunity for genuine cross-curricular links between art and mathematics whilst bringing in ideas about the equations of straight line graphs. By considering pictures made up of curves as well as lines there are natural extensions into transformation of simple functions, and thinking about how to describe shaded parts can lead into work on inequalities.

Possible approach

In working on this problem learners will need to be fluent in expressing equations of straight lines - Diamond Collector offers a good exercise to practise this.

Learners could be set a homework task before the lesson of finding an image which could be represented in an abstract way using straight lines (or very simple curves such as parabolas) - the photo and the abstract image used in the problem could be given as an example.

Begin by discussing with the class the abstract image of the pyramids. The image could be projected onto a whiteboard and the class could decide together on an origin and scale for the axes. Ask them to discuss in pairs how they would write a set of mathematical instructions to create the image (or how they would create it using graphing software), and then share ideas with the whole class.

Key concepts to draw out would be the use of equations of straight lines, using inequalities to express which parts of a line to draw as line segments, using inequalities to describe which sections to colour in each shade, and where the class would choose to put the axes.

Now hand out this worksheet (Word, PDF) which contains instructions for drawing another well-known landmark. Suggest that learners work in pairs to complete the image. One possible extension at this point is for them to devise a way of using inequalities to describe a way of colouring the picture.

Then give the class plenty of time to take an image of their own and turn it into an abstract image on squared paper with axes, perhaps working in pairs again. Learners who have met equations of quadratic graphs could create an image using parabolas as well as straight lines. They could then write out a set of instructions to draw their image and challenge another pair to recreate it without seeing the original. Graphing software could be used to verify the equations of lines that learners choose to use.

Another approach could be to give everyone the same image to recreate using lines and simple curves, and then liaise with some teachers and students of art to choose which is the best abstract representation of the original image.

Key questions

How can the image be recreated using only straight lines?

Which lines have a positive gradient? Which have a negative gradient?

Which lines are steep? What might their equations be?

How can I move the lines up or down the y axis?

How can I describe a line segment rather than a whole line?

Possible extension

Painting by Functions uses the same ideas but looks at the use of more complicated functions, transformation of functions and composition of functions, for learners who have met these ideas.

Possible support

Learners could begin by using transparencies or tracing paper over their image to draw on a set of axes and straight lines to represent the picture. Alternatively, a computer image manipulation package with a "layers" facility could be used, and the resulting abstract representation could be printed off onto graph paper.

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

Geometry and measure

Probability and statistics

Working mathematically

Advanced mathematics

For younger learners