I have explored different tones of blue with classes before, but after talking to Eithne Gallagher, I put a new spin on the group work element of this lesson!
We began with making 'lines' or 'marks' in our sketch books.
The colours used were
- a big bit of white and small bit of blue
- blue
- a big bit of blue and a small bit of black
These are the different tones of blue. The children enjoyed experimenting with the colours.
Then onto our group work. The children were put into groups and numbered. We began with 'No.1's' and they made a mark on the big page. Then 2's and 3's.
The plain white paper now had 'marks' on it. This removes the perfection/fear element.
The children that are normally shy have already made a mark and hold ownership over the group piece. The stronger children will step back as the paper is already marked and they won't take over.
The lesson ended up being quite experimental. As I said, I have done this lesson before and the end result was quite polished. However, this time it was more process based and the end result was quite abstract. The children really enjoyed it!
I came across this idea on Pinterest, it's a great example to begin shading and where light hits an object.
You could develop this by drawing still life with light reflecting on one side- a bright winter's morning, or a safer bet in Ireland- a lamp!
Paint &Colour
Wax resist
Wax resist is such a handy lesson. I recommend using cheap, waxy crayons. Candles work really well too. Mix the paint with lots of water to ensure the wax resist is obvious.
Tones of Blue
Create tones of blue with white and black paint mixed with the blue.
This is another example of a painting found online, it's a brilliant extension to the tones of blue lesson.
This lesson is always referenced on early education/ preschool pages- but it's a great discovery learning lesson for primary school age also. A child in my first class tried to bring a snowball in to school in his pocket "for later"- this ended up being a great lesson in ice and melting!
There are two ways to approach this:
1. Freeze a mixture of paint and water in ice cube trays. Allow the children to paint with.
2. Freeze a larger volume of water (in a butter tub) and allow the children to paint on it.
Splat Painting
A snowy background can be created in Jackson Pollock style! See previous posts for examples of how to explore;
http://clairesprimaryschoolart.blogspot.ie/2015/08/primary-colours.htmlChalk Drawings- dip the chalk in paint for some creative exploration!
Mix glue and shaving foam. It will dry as a 3-D foam. Very effective!
Clay
Penguins and snowmen are easily created from clay. Ensure to use scour and add a drop of water when sticking the snowmen together/adding beaks and noses!
Fabric & Fibre
Polar Bears are easily created from cotton wool. Tin foil works really well as a reflective background.
I came across this fantastic snowman online- and an eco friendly lesson too ;)
Construction
Penguins and Snowmen
Another take on this is to stick the cotton wool on the outside to create fluffy snowmen.
Why not give the bottles and black and orange paper to the children and see what they create?!
Snowflakes
Fold and cut paper to create individual snowflakes.
Explore the true story of Wilson 'Snowflake' Bently, a photographer of snowflakes.
An easier method of constructing a snowflake for younger years.
Snowflakes with lollipop sticks.
Snow Globes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/506725395544563063/
Print
Using natural resources to print snowflakes
Experiment with different textures to create print effects.
