VA.O.VAI.1.03

Use materials, tools, and technology in a safe and responsible manner. 

VA.O.VaI.2.03

Create two-dimensional and tree-dimensional artworks based on elements of art and principles of design using appropriate 
        media, processes, and techniques to solve specific problems 

Va.O.VAI.2.04

Critique art works to demonstrate an understanding of elements of and principles of design.

 

Students will:

• Analyze paintings from the faculty show in the David Brooks Gallery; paying close attention to colors and how they are 

        used.

• Review and discuss what they know about the color wheel, color theory, and color mixing. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of color theory and color mixing by using clay, colored pencil, and watercolors to create 

        three separate color wheels. 

 

Visual arts can reflect an understanding of visual characteristics in our everyday environment. By analyzing the 

paintings of different artists students will understand the importance of color mixing to achieve an interesting composition. 

Through this lesson’s process oriented activities students will gain a better understanding of color theory and how to mix 

colors to create successful paintings/works of their own in the future.  

 

 

•  Visuals of paintings by Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune, Jennifer Boggess, and Tracy Stuckey (attached)

• Modeling clay or Play dough (red, blue, and yellow)

• Color wheel template (attached)

• Pencils

• Colored pencils

• Ruler

• Drawing paper

• Watercolor paper

• Brushes

• Watercolors (red, blue, and yellow)

• Cups 

• Paper towels 

• Paper plates or pallets.

 

 

1. Show students the color wheel 

2. View the paintings by Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune, Jennifer Boggess, and Tracy Stuckey.

3. Discuss each artists’ use of color in their work.

4. Discuss primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Discuss the basics color theory (complementary, warm, and cool) and
        how artists use color theory in their paintings. 

5. Discuss the importance of effective color mixing.Activity: 

1. Do a short demonstration on color mixing with modeling clay. Warn students about color saturation and how small parts of        dark colors should be mixed into lighter colors. 

2. Give directions on how to use the three primary colors to fill in the color wheel template by placing the properly mixed 
       clay over the assigned area. 

3. Pass out materials (color wheel template, and red, blue and yellow clay to each student). 

4. Allow the students to fill in the three primary colors on the color wheel first. Then let students practice what they have
       learned to mix secondary and tertiary colors.

5. Clean up. 

When everyone is finished have a discussion about what students have learned from this activity. 
 

1. Review color vocabulary and skills from last class.

2. Ask students if they think they can create their own color wheel using colored pencils and drawing paper. 

3. Do a demonstration on drawing out a color wheel and how to mix colors using dry media (colored pencils). 

 

1. Pass out colored pencils and drawing pencils

2. Walk around the class and assist students with any questions.

3. Clean up.

 

 

When everyone is finished have a discussion about what students have learned from this activity. Ask students how mixing with 

clay is different than mixing with colored pencils. 
 

1. Review from the past to classes on color theory and color mixing techniques

2. Review how to draw out a color wheel from last class. 

3. Demonstrate mixing colors using wet media (watercolor). 

1. Pass out watercolor paper, pencils, watercolors, cups, palettes, brushes, and water. 

2. Have students draw out a color wheel template on watercolor paper and label it. 

3. Tell Students to use what they have learned so far about color mixing to fill out the color wheel correctly. 

4. Clean up

When everyone is finished have a discussion about what students have learned from this activity. Discuss how the three mediums 

are different when mixing color. Have students identify what their favorite medium was to use and why.  Review all color 

vocabulary and techniques used throughout the lesson. 

 

Students will be evaluated on their participation in the discussion and their ability to follow directions for each color mixing 

activity. I will also be evaluating the students on the accuracy and neatness of their three mixing activities. 

Ready Advise - Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune - Oil on Canvas - 2010 –

Detail from Discursive Spaces - Jennifer Boggess - Oil on Canvas - 2009 –

Red, White, and Blue El Camino - Tracey Stuckey - Oil on Canvas - 2010 –