Supplies:

• Old file folders
• Oil pastels
• Q-tips or kleenex for blending
• Rulers and compasses

Downloadable Lesson Summary: Color and Value

When I decided to combine Color and Value into one project, I thought oil pastels would be the perfect medium. My students started by creating their own stencil. I gave them squares of old file folders and they sketched a letter or number that was meaningful or interesting to them. They traced their stencil several times and then overlapped a shape on top of those drawings.

Before they started using the oil pastels, I had them practice creating different values. I also showed them how to create a split complementary color scheme. They could either use one of the color schemes they created on their practice sheet or they could come up with a different way of choosing their colors.

When they started adding oil pastels to their final artwork, I explained that every section that was created when the shaped overlapped the letter should be colored in a different shade or color. After every project, my students write a self critique of their work. It was interesting to read the responses about whether or not they enjoyed using oil pastels. Most students either loved them or hated them.

I used this art teacher’s post as inspiration for this project.