This art project teaches students that although abstract art is a style that can have rules, it is still characterized by creative freedom. Give student paper and drawing tools, and give them some basic instructions, such as to draw three straight lines, two circles and use the color red. When everyone is finished drawing, display the pictures to the class, and let students see how despite the same instructions, each picture came out differently.
For older art students, challenge them with to create an abstract sculpture in the round, similar to the work of Jean Dubuffet. Have students research the work of Jean Dubuffet first, and create drawings that outline their design ideas for abstract sculptures of their own. Then use white Styrofoam to cut out their designs and assemble their sculptures. Paint in the edges and patterns using black acrylic paint to mimic the style of Jean Dubuffet.
For this project, show examples of Piet Mondrian's classic abstract-art style, and have students do some research on his work. To practice drawing like Mondrian, give students maps and ask them to copy the lines into drawings of their own that reflect Mondrian's style. Let students choose their own art supplies, and encourage them to use stark black lines and large pools of bright color to mimic the abstract style of Mondrian.
Show students examples of the work of artist Sonia Delaunay, an abstract artist who worked with repeated shapes to create colorful, rhythmic art. Have students make their own Sonia Delaunay-style art by asking each student to choose one shape to repeat numerous times in a picture. Use markers, paint, colored pencils and crayons to make bright bold drawings that emphasize the shapes against a solid background. Have students work with a limited palette and repeat colors in their work.