Lesson Plan: Exploring Colour in Art
Subject: Art
Year/Grade: 7
Duration: 30 minutes
Topic: Colour
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic colour theory, including the colour wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colours.
- Recognise how different colours can affect mood and perception in art.
- Experiment with colour mixing to create their own unique shades.
Materials Needed
- Colour wheel charts
- Watercolour paints or acrylic paints
- Mixing palettes
- Paintbrushes
- Clean water
- Paper for painting
- Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Engage the Class: Begin with a brief discussion about colours. Ask students which colours they like the most and why.
- Introduce the Colour Wheel: Explain the concept of the colour wheel. Show them a colour wheel and point out the primary colours (red, blue, yellow) and how they mix to form secondary colours (green, orange, purple).
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
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Explain Colour Theory: Discuss the importance of colour in art. Mention aspects like:
- Harmony: How certain colours work well together.
- Contrast: How different colours can create emphasis or vibrancy.
- Mood: Discuss how colours can convey emotions (e.g., blue for calmness, red for excitement).
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Demonstrate Colour Mixing: Use primary colours to show how mixing them yields secondary colours, and demonstrate mixing in the palette to create tertiary colours.
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
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Hands-On Activity: Distribute materials to students.
- Instruct students to create their own colour wheel by mixing the primary colours to produce secondary and tertiary colours, aiming for at least six new colours.
- Encourage them to label each colour they create.
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Discuss Findings: As they mix, walk around and engage with students. Ask questions like:
- What happens when you mix certain colours?
- How do you feel about the colours you've created?
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
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Creative Application: Give students a piece of paper.
- Ask them to create a simple artwork (e.g., a landscape, abstract piece, or character) using the colours they have mixed. Encourage them to think about the mood they want to convey with their chosen colours.
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Display: Students can display their artworks around the classroom or share with a partner to discuss their colour choices.
Closure (5 minutes)
- Class Reflection: Gather students and ask them to share their artworks and the colours they used.
- Review: Recap the day’s lesson by reviewing key concepts with the class. Ask questions to engage them, such as:
- What was your favourite colour to mix?
- How did mixing colours change the way your artwork turned out?
Assessment
- Observe students during the colour mixing activity to assess understanding of colour theory.
- Evaluate their final artworks for creativity and appropriate use of colour representation.
Additional Notes
- Adapt materials for students with specific learning needs if required.
- Encourage students to explore colour in future art projects, considering both colour theory and personal expression.
This lesson encourages creativity while grounding students in fundamental principles of colour, enhancing their artistic skills and appreciation for visual arts.