First Grade Color Wheels

I love to start the year off with color. I think it really sets the foundation for the year. I'm always trying to think of different ways to go over the color wheel without making it the same ole thing. I decided with this project that I would also incorporate value, pattern, and emphasis.
I started by having the students paint a gray vase. They had to mix to make the gray. They painted the "table" black, and put a pattern in the background.

The next class they added the stem and petals. I think this may be a keeper.

Color Wheel: Hand Line Design

Color is my favorite element of art! I was trying to think of a way to teach color theory without having to do the same old color wheel, while at the same time covering more elements and principles. I enjoy hand art and came up with this crayon resist hand line design. The students traced their hand three times with only one finger touching another finger on a second hand. Done right, you will end up with six different sections. From there we talked about line, shape, pattern, and variety/visual interest. I instructed them to fill in each section with a different pattern using lines and shapes while showing variety. They all started with pencil so that I could observe and make sure they were all on the right path. 

Next, I showed them how water resists wax and had them trace over all of their pencil lines with black crayon. Lastly, they watercolored in each area in color wheel order. Some got the concept, and others I think got distracted and got out of order. They came out really nice!