This lesson could be taught at any level depending on how in depth you want to be with it. How do you teach negative space with watercolors? We used a circle template to create overlapping circles, and we experimented with layering to create depth and richness in our artwork. I want to revisit this lesson again next year and compare the results of monochromatic color schemes and creativity!
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper / heavy duty
drawing paper will do too.
- Watercolor paints (in one color)
Your choice
- Brushes (various sizes)
- Palette for mixing shades.
- Water container
- Circle template (you can make one
by tracing around circular objects)
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Paper towels or cloth for
blotting
Lesson Plan Idea Format that
worked for us:
- Introduction to Negative Space
and Monochromatic Color Schemes:
Start by explaining what negative space is and introduce the concept of
monochromatic color schemes. Use simple language like, "Negative
space is the empty area around objects, and a monochromatic color scheme
means using shades and tints of just one color."
- Circle Template Exploration: Show the students how to use
the circle template to create a series of overlapping circles on their
watercolor paper. Encourage them to vary the sizes and placement of the
circles to create an interesting composition.
- Sketching and Layering: Have the students lightly
sketch the outlines of the circles using a pencil. Next, instruct them to
choose a base color from their watercolor palette and paint the circles
using that color. Once the first layer dries, they can add a second layer
of the same color on top of each circle to darken the shades. Repeat this
process for a third layer if desired, gradually darkening the circles each
time.
- Painting Negative Space: After layering the circles,
it's time to focus on the negative space. Instruct the students to use a
slightly darker shade of the same color to paint the areas around the
circles. Emphasize the importance of leaving space between the circles to
define the negative space.
- Adding Extra Circles: To further enhance the
composition and practice negative space, encourage the students to add a
few extra circles in between the existing ones. They can follow the same
process of layering and painting negative space around these additional
circles.
- Reflection and Cleanup: As the paintings dry,
facilitate a discussion about the process and what the students learned
about negative space and monochromatic color schemes. Encourage them to
share their observations and experiences.
- Teacher Tip: Have a hair dryer (or 2) in
class for drying in between layers.
National Standards Integration:
- Visual Arts Standards: Incorporate elements of art
(such as shape, color, and space) and principles of design (such as
balance and unity) into the lesson.
- Common Core State Standards
(CCSS): Integrate standards related to
speaking and listening by encouraging students to discuss their artwork
and reflect on their learning.
- Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS): Connect with NGSS standards by
discussing the properties of light and color in art and how they affect
perception.
This lesson if using negative
space and monochromatic color schemes through the medium of watercolors was a
lot of fun. We are going to keep experimenting with layering and exploring
different color combinations to continue our artistic journey this semester. The
possibilities are endless when you let your creativity shine!
FUN IDEA: You could make this lesson holiday or season specific with the color theme you chose to use - for example: St. Patrick's Day would use lots of greens. Valentines Day would use more pinks and reds.
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