aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Art
What age group	Year or Grade 8
What topic	Mixing colours to make skin tones - referencing Opie artwork
Quantity	1
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Lesson Introduction: Mixing Colours to Create Skin Tones Inspired by Opie

Objective:

Today, we are going to explore how to mix colours to create realistic skin tones, drawing inspiration from the vibrant and simplified artwork of British artist David Hockney. We'll look closely at how he uses colour and form and apply those techniques in our own artistic creations.

Engaging Hook:

Art Gallery Walk: A Visual Journey

Begin the lesson by transforming the classroom into a mini art gallery.

1. Set the Scene:

   • Prepare a series of printed images or slides of David Hockney's artworks that feature human figures. Ensure that these portray a range of skin tones and colours.

2. Guided Exploration:

   • Arrange the visuals around the classroom. As the students enter, invite them to walk around the room, taking a few minutes to observe the artwork displayed.
   • Encourage them to pay particular attention to how Hockney captures skin tones and how he mixes colours to achieve depth and dimension.

3. Think-Pair-Share:

   • Once they’ve had time to explore, ask them to think about what they've noticed. Pose questions such as:
     • What colours do you see in the skin tones?
     • How do these colours blend to create a natural look?
     • What emotions do the figures evoke based on their colours?
   • After a short reflection period, ask students to pair up and share their observations, fostering discussion about colour perception.

Class Discussion:

• Gather the students back together as a class and facilitate a discussion based on their observations. Here you can delve into how skin tones can vary widely and the importance of understanding colour mixing for creating realistic representations in art.

Transition into the Lesson:

Conclude the gallery walk with a transition into the core of today’s lesson. Explain that they will have the opportunity to mix their paints and create their very own skin tones, inspired by the techniques used by Hockney.

Materials Needed:

• Paint palettes
• Acrylic or watercolour paints (including primary colours and white)
• Brushes
• Paper for mixing
• Reference images of various skin tones and Hockney's artwork

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Conclusion:

This engaging start will foster curiosity and set the stage for the practical activity ahead. By analysing Hockney's work and discussing colour mixing, students will be better equipped to create their own unique skin tones, enhancing their understanding of colour in art.