Color Wheel Art Lesson Color Theory Art Project Elementary Color Art Activity
This Color Wheel Tree Art Lesson introduces students in grades 1 to 4 to primary and secondary colors through a hands-on mixed media project. It is written for classroom teachers, art educators and homeschooling families.
Students draw a tree in oil pastel, divide the background into sections, and fill each one with watercolor or tempera paint using color wheel ideas. The result is a striking piece that builds understanding of color relationships, contrast and balance, and it suits fall or back to school.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “The students' favorite part was mixing watercolors on their paper and seeing the secondary colors emerge--like magic. I liked that it was low prep; used materials available in our classroom; and was accessible for students with varying skill levels. *We used liquid watercolors.” Cassandra L.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)
- Lesson Plan with objectives, materials and instructional tips
- About the Color Wheel reading passage
- Warm-Up Lesson Hook Poem
- KWL Chart
- Step-by-Step Tutorial Slides for guided instruction (PowerPoint and PDF)
- Student Handouts for reference
- Finished Artwork Example
- Artwork Reflections and an Artist Statement Template
- Rubric for assessment
- Display Sign for a bulletin board or hallway showcase
HOW TO USE IT
Use it in a color theory unit, for substitute plans, as an early finisher activity, or as a low-prep art project. Students reflect on their work with the writing prompts and rubric, and build art vocabulary and confidence with both dry and wet mediums.
NATIONAL ART STANDARDS
- VA:Cr2.1.1a: Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art or design.
- VA:Cr2.2.1a: Demonstrate safe and proper procedures for using materials, tools, and equipment while making art.
- VA:Cr1.2.2a: Make art or design with various materials and tools to explore personal interests, questions, and curiosity.
- VA:Cr2.1.2a: Experiment with various materials and tools to explore personal interests in a work of art or design.
- VA:Cr2.2.2a
- VA:Cr1.2.3a: Apply knowledge of available resources, tools, and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.
- VA:Cr2.1.3a: Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
- VA:Cr2.2.3a: Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and proficient use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.
FAQ
Who is this lesson for?
Elementary teachers, art specialists, homeschool families and substitute teachers who want an easy-to-teach color theory project.
What art mediums are used?
Oil pastels for the tree and lines, then watercolor or tempera paint for the color wheel background, depending on what you have on hand.
What concepts does it teach?
Primary and secondary colors, color wheel basics, and creating contrast through dividing the composition and using color relationships.
How long will it take?
Most teachers find it takes 2 to 3 class periods, depending on age, class size, student focus and how much time goes to reflections or writing.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS
★★★ “Great resource, well designed, engaging, and easy to use in the classroom!” heather s.
Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.
TERMS OF USE
Images and lessons are copyright products.
YOU MAY: use this in your classroom, homeschool or as part of your creative teaching. Clip art may be used for classroom decor, bulletin boards and educational products with proper licensing.
YOU MAY NOT: post this on Outschool, blogs or district drives, or share, resell or copy this product for others without appropriate licensing. Admin or districts must purchase additional licenses.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic