Pendulum Painting

In this video we will construct a pendulum painting artwork and explore the forces of gravity and momentum.

Step 1

In a paper cup mix drawing ink and a little PVA glue so it is a little thicker than milk.

Step 2

Cut an 80cm piece of string and knot the ends together making sure your knot is around 10cm from the ends of the string.

Step 3

Using scissors cut the end off the empty bottle and tape one end of the string on either side of the bottle. Make sure that the knot is evenly positioned above the bottle. Now cut the string on one side only just above the knot. You should now have a long piece of string with your empty bottle attached.

Step 4

To make your tripod place 2 lengths of dowel together and lay the end of the string down the centre. Place the 3rd dowel rod on top of the string and use elastic bands or string to tie the ends firmly together. Space the legs of the tripod out and add a ball of plasticine to the ends of the dowel rods to secure them to your table.

Step 5

Adjust the central string so the nozzle of the bottle is around 5cm away from the table.

Step 6

Put some protective paper on your table and position your pendulum. Place a piece of round cartridge under the bottle so that it’s centre lines up with the bottle.

Step 7

Now you can fill your bottle with the ink and PVA mixture. (not right to the top!) Move the bottle to one side, place a plate or bowl under the nozzle and remove the nozzle cap. As the ink starts to run out of the bottle gently swing the bottle across your paper to create your pattern.