AR 271--Shoebox Gradations

This is a good way to introduce the idea of gradations to older students and help them understand the color wheel better. For younger students, you could concentrate on how to use the brush, basic painting methods and so on.

Aims: To create a painted storage box
To learn about gradations, including tinting, shading and complimentary colors
To understand paint set up, changing colors and general painting techniques

Motivation: Show or draw your students a color wheel and go over the concept of primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colors. Mention that they are going to work with tints and shades as well in your introduction.

Vocabulary: color wheel, primary color, secondary color, complimentary colors, gradation, tint, shade

Materials: cardboard shoeboxes, sandpaper, white tempera paint or gesso, pencil, eraser, brushes of various sizes (not too big), tempera paint (primaries, secondaries, black, white, magenta and turquoise), water cans (used coffee cans are best, snap lids on bottom to prevent rust) filled up almost to top, mixing trays, dampened paper towels. Optional: medium or Mod Podge

Procedure: The first part can be done at a different time from the painting, Students will paint their boxes white and let them dry. If they are shiny, they need to be sanded first to give them a tooth. Gesso makes the best covering, but costs more than paint. Next have them work out designs on the boxes that will be filled in with gradations. You might want them to work on a separate piece of paper first. It could be their name in bubble letters, abstract designs, etc.

When you are ready to add color, give a demonstration around a table where all students have a clear view. (I used to have a oval tape on the floor and had the students stand behind it, with the taller ones in back. If they creep forward, they can easily move back when they see where their feet are.)

Set up your colors in a styrofoam egg carton or tray. I put dampened small sponges or paper towels in the lid sections which act as "insurance policies." Each student shares a water can and paints with another student. Everyone gets their own brushes and mixing tray. Put names on the bottom of the boxes first. Show what happens when you add white to a color (tinting), Next, show them what happens when you add black (shading). Lastly, show them what happens when the complimentary of a color is slowly added. Explain that they will use all three on their box (unless you want to limit to just a tint, say). When changing colors, demonstrate the importance of making sure the paint is off the brush by wiping on the paper towels. When washing the brushes, students must look at what they're doing, swish the brush along the bottom of the can, and not "drum" to get the water off. Tickle, instead.

When completed you can varnish them with acrylic medium or Mod Podge for a glossy look.

Reflection: Share the work, as always.