Color Theory Art Lesson Color Mixing Fish Art Project Middle School Art Activity

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “My 5th graders did a fabulous job with this well crafted lesson. Their projects were super cute and they learned a lot and reviewed what they already knew. It built on their previous knowledge as well as adding to what they already knew. Thanks for the great lesson.” Janet A., TPT review

Ratings are from TPT reviews (5-star scale).

This Color Mixing Fish Art Lesson teaches students to mix primary, secondary and tertiary colors with colored pencils. Students create a fish with carefully blended colored scales, learning to mix colors, identify warm and cool tones and understand how hues relate to each other.

It is a low-prep color theory lesson for grades 4 to 7, written for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families, and it works as a sub plan too. A color theory poem and reflection pages connect art and language, and the finished fish make a bright classroom display.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND PPT)

• Step-by-step art tutorial in PDF and PowerPoint (PPT)
• About Color Theory informational reading page
• Color Theory Poem
• Lesson Plan with learning objectives and materials list
• Formative and Summative Assessments
• KWL Chart
• Student Reflection Pages and Artist Statement Templates
• Rubric
• Example Artwork
• Printable Display Sign for classroom or hallway

HOW TO USE IT

Teach it as a full color mixing lesson, or adapt the activities for warm-ups at the start of the year, literacy connections, fast finishers or art centers. It supports a growth mindset and creative experimentation and connects art with science and observation skills.

The lesson lists these National Art Standards: VA:Cr1.1.Ia, VA:Cr1.1.8a, VA:Cr1.2.Ia, VA:Cr2.1.6a, VA:Cr2.1.7a, VA:Cr2.1.8a, VA:Cr2.3.7a and VA:Cr2.3.8a.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Elementary and middle school art teachers, general education teachers, substitute teachers and homeschool families teaching color theory.

What do students use to mix colors?

Colored pencils.

How long does this lesson take?

Typically 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, class behavior, teaching style and available time.

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 with your own child, and use the clip art or artwork for classroom displays.

YOU MAY NOT: upload this resource to Outschool or any blog, share it with other educators or schools (additional licensing must be purchased), or sell, give away or redistribute it.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic