Exploring Color Through Art

Curriculum Area: Visual Arts

Grade Level: Year 1 (First Grade)
Standards Addressed:

• National Core Arts Standards (NCAS):
  • VA:Cr1.1.1a – Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
  • VA:Cr2.1.1a – Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art or design.
  • VA:Re7.1.1a – Select and describe works of art that illustrate daily life experiences.

Lesson Length

Total Duration: 45 minutes (Day 1 of a Two-Day Lesson)
Class Size: 20 students

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognize the work and artistic style of Alma Thomas.
• Identify and differentiate between warm and cool colors.
• Begin a landscape drawing inspired by Alma Thomas’s color techniques.

"I Can" Statements

• I can create an artwork inspired by Alma Thomas.
• I can identify warm and cool colors in an artwork.

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Materials Needed

• Visuals of Alma Thomas’s artwork (printouts or digital display)
• Book: "Alma’s Art" (Read Aloud Book)
• Large chart or color wheel for Warm and Cool Colors
• White drawing paper (9”x12”)
• Pencils and erasers
• Colored markers or crayons
• Alma Thomas coloring sheets for early finishers

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Lesson Procedures (DAY 1)

1. Introduction to the Project (10 Minutes)

• Begin with a class discussion by showing an image of Alma Thomas’s artwork.
• Ask guiding questions:
  • "What do you see in this picture?"
  • "What kinds of colors do you notice?"
  • "How do these colors make you feel?"
• Introduce Alma Thomas as an African American artist known for her use of color and abstract patterns.
• Explain to students:
  • They will be creating a landscape inspired by Alma Thomas's unique color style.
  • Today, they will focus on drawing their landscape. Next class, they will add warm and cool colors.

2. Review Color Families (Warm vs. Cool) (5 Minutes)

• Show a large color wheel with warm colors (red, orange, yellow) on one side and cool colors (blue, green, purple) on the other.
• Discuss:
  • Warm colors remind us of the sun, heat, and energy.
  • Cool colors remind us of water, the sky, and relaxation.
• Call on students to categorize different colors by pointing to the color wheel.

3. Read Aloud: "Alma’s Art" (8 Minutes)

• Read the book aloud, stopping to point out Alma’s use of color.
• Ask students to identify warm and cool colors in the book’s illustrations.
• Engage students in a brief discussion:
  • "How does Alma Thomas use color to make her paintings exciting?"
  • "What do you like about her artwork?"

4. Drawing a Landscape (15 Minutes)

• Step 1: Ask students to think of an outdoor landscape – it could be the beach, mountains, a park, or their backyard.
• Step 2: Using pencils, students will sketch simple landscape shapes (horizon line, sun, trees, water, etc.).
• Step 3: Encourage them to break the landscape into sections, where the sky, water, and ground will eventually be different colors.
• Teacher modeling: Demonstrate on the board how to create a simple abstract landscape using large shapes.

5. Early Finishers Activity (7 Minutes)

• Students who finish their landscape drawing early will receive an Alma Thomas coloring page.
• The coloring page features Alma's signature abstract composition, which students will color using warm or cool colors only.

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Closure (Final 5 Minutes)

• Quick review: Hold up different colors and ask, “Is this a warm or cool color?”
• Exit question: “What colors will you use in your landscape next class?”

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Assessment Methods

Formative Assessment (Throughout the Lesson)

• Questioning: Check for understanding during color discussion.
• Observations: Monitor how students sketch their landscapes and categorize colors.

Summative Assessment (End of Project on Day 2)

• Completed project: Evaluate students’ use of warm and cool colors in landscapes.
• Exit Ticket: Color sorting activity where students categorize a set of color swatches into warm and cool groups.

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Differentiation and Support

• For students who need extra support:
  • Offer pre-drawn landscape templates to trace.
  • Provide color sorting cards for students needing help identifying warm and cool colors.
• For advanced learners:
  • Encourage students to add patterns in their landscape similar to Alma Thomas’s abstract style.
• For English Language Learners (ELLs):
  • Use visuals and real-life color examples to reinforce the warm/cool color concept.
  • Pair ELL students with a buddy during discussions.

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Reflection for Teachers

• What parts of the lesson engaged students the most?
• Did students successfully differentiate between warm and cool colors?
• What adjustments can be made for next time?

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Next Lesson (Day 2 Preview):

• Review warm and cool colors.
• Add colors using oil pastels to complete the Alma Thomas-inspired artwork.
• Summative assessment and class discussion on their completed pieces.

This lesson provides an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to Alma Thomas, color theory, and abstract landscapes, ensuring students can connect art concepts to their own creations! 🎨