Family Activity Inspired by Kenneth Noland's Wild Indigo, 1967

Kenneth Noland makes large-scale paintings using bold, contrasting colors and simple compositions.

In this Family Activity, we'll walk you through how to make a color composition inspired by Noland's Wild Indigo, 1967.

Kenneth Noland (American, 1924–2010). Wild Indigo, 1967. Acrylic on canvas, 89 x 207 inches (226.1 x 525.8 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York; Charles Clifton Fund, 1972 (1972:5). © The Kenneth Noland Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

Getting Started

  • How many different colors does the artist use in this painting?
  • How does the artist arrange the colors on the canvas?

Materials

  • Piece of cardboard
  • Construction paper in a variety of colors
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Marker pen
  • Glue stick

Artmaking Activity

1. Cut a piece of scrap cardboard or cereal packet to make a rectangular-shaped backing.

2. Using your marker pen and ruler, draw some lines across your construction paper. Space some close together and some further apart.

3. Cut along the lines to make paper strips of different widths and thicknesses. Repeat the drawing and cutting with a variety of different colored papers.

4. Rub your glue stick over the cardboard and create a pattern with the paper strips that covers the entire surface area of the cardboard.

5. Turn your cardboard over and trim any overhanging strips.

Tip: Try out different types of patterns

  • Horizontal stripes
  • Vertical stripes
  • Chevrons
  • Diamond pattern
  • Invent your own!

Optional: Share your creation on Twitter or Instagram with #AlbrightKnox and #MuseumFromHome!

Vocabulary

Composition: how something is put together or arranged

Pattern: a repeated decorative design

Contrast: colors or tones that are different from each other

Horizontal: running straight across from left to right

Vertical: running straight up and down