Color Wheel Art Lesson Color Theory Art Project Elementary Color Art Activity

This Starfish Color Mixing Art Lesson teaches primary and secondary colors to students in grades 2 to 5. Students draw a cute cartoon-style starfish and blend the primary colors into secondary colors using colored pencils, pencil crayons or crayons, with no paint required.

It covers the Elements of Art: Color and reinforces color theory basics without the mess of paint. The step-by-step PowerPoint tutorial, printable worksheets and detailed lesson plan keep it low-prep, so it works in the classroom, for homeschool or as a sub plan, at the start of the year or partway through a color unit.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• PowerPoint Art Tutorial with step-by-step visuals
• "All About Color Theory" informational page
• How to Draw a Starfish guided drawing
• Artwork reflection writing page
• "Look at Materials" and technique reflection worksheet
• Starfish Color Mixing Rubric
• Lesson Plan with hook, objectives and materials list
• Art Example to guide teaching and assessment

HOW TO USE IT

Use it to teach the Elements of Art: Color, to reinforce color theory, or as a stand-alone project for early finishers, creative writing integration or art center time. Project the PowerPoint tutorial and show the art example, then let students draw and blend. Crayons, pencil crayons or colored pencils all work, and oil pastels are another option.

The reflection pages and rubric give you writing and assessment pieces to go with the artwork.

National Art Standards listed in the resource: VA:Cr1.2.3a, VA:Cr2.1.3a, VA:Cr2.2.3a, VA:Cr2.1.4a, VA:Cr2.2.4a, VA:Cr1.2.5a, VA:Cr2.1.5a and VA:Cr2.2.5a.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Elementary classroom teachers, homeschool families, art educators and substitute teachers looking for a structured color theory activity for grades 2 to 5.

How long does it take?

About 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, class behavior and how deep your color theory discussions and reflections go.

Do I need paint?

No. Students blend with colored pencils, pencil crayons or crayons.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

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 for 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 it for others without appropriate licensing. Admin or districts must purchase additional licenses.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic