Monochromatic Art Lesson Primary Value Art Lesson Chameleon Artwork Lizard Art

This Value Chameleon Art Lesson is a mixed-media project that teaches the element of art value through monochromatic color schemes, tints and shades and collage. Students combine tempera paint, wax crayons, scrap paper and magazine clippings to create a chameleon artwork that builds depth using just one color.

It is designed for Grades 1 to 4 and works for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool parents. Students learn what monochromatic artwork is, how to identify and use tints (light values) and shades (dark values) of one color, and how to combine mixed media into a piece with texture and personality. It is a collage-based painting project with lots of room for creative interpretation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• 16-Page Step-by-Step Art Tutorial in both PDF and PowerPoint format
• 2-Page Art Lesson Plan with materials list, objectives, lesson overview and steps
• Rubric for student self-assessment or grading
• Student Read and Respond Pages about value and monochromatic art
• "What is Value?" Info Page
• Writing Prompt Page
• Draw and Design Prompt Page ("Design a home for your chameleon")
• Value Exploration Worksheet with grayscale practice and a monochrome drawing box
• How to Draw a Chameleon printable guide
• "The Message" Artist Reflection Page
• Chameleon Display Sign / Artwork Title Page
• Artwork Example to inspire your class

The project uses wax crayon resist, magazine or scrap paper collage and tempera paints.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Art concepts explored: value, tints and shades, hue (monochromatic color schemes), mixed media and collage, line, shape, texture and form, and art reflections and artist intentions.

Use the PowerPoint or PDF to teach the lesson step by step. Print the student pages and reflections for writing integration, classroom assessment and deeper learning, then display the finished chameleons with the included title sign for a bulletin board. The lesson also suits sub plans, early finishers, art centers, art enrichment and standards-based art projects.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Elementary art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool families and substitute teachers looking for a complete, low-prep art lesson for Grades 1 to 4.

How long will it take to complete?

Usually 2 to 3 class sessions, depending on student age, your teaching style and class length. Some students may need extra time for reflection and collage assembly.

What file formats are included?

The step-by-step tutorial comes in both PDF and PowerPoint format. The resource is non-editable.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS

• VA:Cr2.1.Ka Through experimentation, build skills in various media and approaches to artmaking.
• VA:Cr2.2.Ka Identify safe and non-toxic art materials, tools, and equipment.
• VA:Cr2.3.Ka Create art that represents natural and constructed environments.
• 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:Cr2.1.2a Experiment with various materials and tools to explore personal interests in a work of art or design.
• VA:Cr2.2.2a Demonstrate safe procedures for using and cleaning art tools, equipment, and studio spaces.
• VA:Cr2.2.3a Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and proficient use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.

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 OCO (One Classroom Over) Magazine, 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 a student portfolio, display student work publicly or privately, and use clip art (if applicable) for personal creations, binder covers and décor.

YOU MAY NOT: share the file with other educators or post it online, use this on OutSchool or your blog, resell it, photocopy it for others or use it without appropriate licensing.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic