Warm/Cool Leaves

Grades: Grades 3/4

Materials:

• Chalk, (as many different types of you can get)
• 12xl8 black construction paper
• Stencils of different leaves *spray for the chalk when done (in ventilated area)

Concept:
to recognize and mix the warm and cool colors

Procedure:

I begin with a discussion of the basic color wheel, reviewing their knowledge thus far the primary, secondary, and compliments. What are those colors that sit in between? Notice how they are grouped.
1. We begin with a stencil (yet another form of printmaking) of different leaves, maple, oak, beech. You can have these cut for them or have them cut them.
2. We separate our chalk into warm/cool colors. red, yellow, orange and their hues and cool; blue, purple, green their hues.
3. On a 12xl8 black construction paper, I model how to place a stencil down and work the chalk towards the inside. I then rub the colors together, they choose 2/3 warm colors to mix in the leaf, and then place another and continue with combinations, they love the results of gem -like colors they create.
4. I also talk about positive and negative space and the balance of colors as they work. This project hits a lot of the principles of art as well.

Elementary Art Lessons