Valentine's Day Art Project: Monochromatic

Materials: Several colors of 8 x 11 construction paper, all or some of the following: scraps of construction paper, colorful magazine pages, sandpaper, tissue paper, paint, crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint, scissors, glue.  Set out before lesson begins. Examples of monochromatic colors schemes. Sample of art project.

Objective: To understand the term monochromatic by creating a Valentine heart collage in the same hue with several different shades, tints and tones.  To practice the use of different paper and art materials.  To show effort and creativity in creating the Valentine hearts.

Procedure: Begin with asking the children if they have heard the term monochromatic.  What does "mono" mean?  One.  What do we think of when we hear "chromatic?"  Color.  Monochromatic means one hue, in many different tints, tones and shades.  See examples 1, 2.

Example 1 - Wikepedia

Example 2 -fineartamerica 

"We are going to create a monochromatic collage with different art materials to change the tints, tones and shades of ONE hue that we choose."  See Samples 1, 2, enlarged for display  

Sample 1

Sample 2

Before beginning the project, discuss materials artists use to make their art more interesting?  Do they use the same type of paint, colored pencils, chalk?  Do they vary their materials? (see Materials)

Students choose a hue based upon the colors of construction paper.  Fold and cut out heart.  Then, cut out shades, tints and tones to add to the heart.  Remind students to layer their materials, so depth creates a variety of tints, tones, shades and different textures. For students who like to plan, suggest collecting materials and laying out collage before gluing.  Allow plenty of time for this project to be completed.  Some students will layer their collage carefully with many different materials.  When it is time to transition to another lesson, set the project aside for independent work.  Others will approach the project in a more carefree manner, and finish quickly.  

Evaluation:  Questions for student to consider as a self-evaluator.  Did you use more than three materials?  Did you stay with the hue you chose?  Did you layer your collage?  Is your project unique?  If you intended to make your project pleasing to the eye, is it?

Teacher Notes: I observed that older children were able to layer a collage nicely.  Children in the primary grade had a difficult time with collage concept and wanted to create a picture with their different materials.  My preschooler did best with a precut heart and several choices pre-cut to glue down.  She had no problem with the collage effect.

This lesson will be in pdf form at the end of February on our Education Page.

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