Painting with Shapes and Colors

Dollard des Ormeaux Center for the Arts, 2018

This two-part lesson plan was taught to a group of 8 children aged 5-7 in the context of a Saturday morning painting class at the Dollard des Ormeaux Center for the Arts.

Dylan part 1

In Part One Learners used cutouts to paint shapes, creating an original composition. They learned about primary colors, line and shapes.

Ekaterina part 1

Some students began to explore with secondary colors through overalping shapes.

Ethan part 1

Some learners wanted to depict real life objects, persons or situations by using the colors and shapes. Others chose to remain abstract.

Lea part 2

In part two learners used cutouts again but this time blended promary colors to achieve secondary colors within their shapes. Rather than creating orginal compositions with the shapes, this time the objective was to use the shapes and colors to depict original figures.

Ethan part 2

Not all learners created figures, some prefered to continue with compositions and stay abstract.

Clara part 2

For many learners, the most intereresting part of the lesson was the color blending. They were encouraged to experiment with different hues of the same secondary color.

Color station - blue

For the purposes of this lesson plan, the class was aranged in different color stations. In Part one, the three stations corresponded with the three primary colors: blue, red and yellow. In part 2 the three stations corresponded with the three secondary colors: green, purple and orange.

Color Stations - In Action

Learners would go from station to station, using the colors and cut-outs to build on their composition. This provided a relaxed atmosphere. The learners appeared to appreciate the movement quite a bit and were engaged with the activity throughout.

Color Station - Red

The color stations were at the opposite ends of the room. There was a table in the middle of the room for students to work on as well.

Set up

Learners working

Scaffolding

Posters were put up around the room to serve as remiders of the concepts previously covered. Students could refer to them as they worked to help their memory, or for inspiration.

Scaffolding

It was explained to learners that different kinds of lines make up the shapes they were using.

Scaffolding

Learners were free to trace the shapes themselves if they did not want to use the cutouts.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding

Scaffolding