If there is a truly magic moment in art class, it must be when a student--of any age--attains a working knowledge of color's core principles. At that point, she or he becomes able to consistently create color harmony in any painting, regardless of the subject matter. From then on, that student gains greater confidence, can paint better pictures…

The author has always liked the look of stained-glass windows. Usually the designs are simplified and the shapes are easier for younger students to draw. This technique seemed to be the perfect place for her fifth-graders to try their hand at color mixing. The smaller spaces and simple shapes were just what she needed for this group. Her students…

The author and her class used chalk pastels before, in the typical manner with much blending and mixing of color. She felt her high-school class needed to try another technique with no smudging with tissues, no using tortillons (blending stumps), no soft color merging. All too often, young artists blend too many colors together and lose the…

Presents an art lesson that can be completed in one class period and adapted for various age levels. Explains that the students learn about positive and negative space. States that the lesson helps students who are unsure of their art abilities become more confident. (CMK)

Drawing lessons can be enriched by creating original coloring books in elementary school art classes. (DS)

This resource provides practical instructions for applying color and design directly to fabric. Basic information about the dye painting process is given. The guide addresses the technical aspects of fabric dye and color use and offers suggestions for fabric manipulation and dye application in order to achieve various design effects. This…

The course outline has been prepared as a meaningful and practical approach to color. Mastery of Sppeedball Pen Lettering is a prerequisite for entry into the course. The purpose of the course is to teach the student the practices, techniques, and technology necessary to acquire an understanding of the color phenomenon. Consisting of 45 clock…

In today's budget-conscious schools, a method for introducing students to multiple color block printing from only one block of linoleum or wood would seem to be prudent. This method was successful over a number of years with eighth- and ninth-grade students. (Author/RK)

Describes collagraph printmaking, which offers many opportunities for exploration of a diversity of materials to achieve exciting effects in print. (Editor/RK)

Presents an art lesson that incorporates self-portraits and a familiar art technique: coloring paper with crayons, covering the colors with a layer of black, and drawing through the black to reveal the hidden colors. Explains that the students must be expressive by using the colors or concentrating on their facial features. (CMK)

Describes a printmaking activity where the students draw in printing ink on plexiglass slabs in order to create a mirror image called a monoprint. Explains that the students should not write words on their monoprints for two reasons: (1) it takes too long to write backwards; and (2) the ink dries quickly. (CMK)

Describes in detail an art assignment influenced by the book, "Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators" (Gerald Broomer). Explains that students created mini-collages out of various types of paper, but focused on only three colors. (CMK)

Outlines a course in photography for use in secondary school art classes to develop perceptual awareness and extend range of vision. (DS)

Describes an activity in which eighth graders explored color relationships in art. Students selected their favorite pieces of art work, redrew and redesigned the artists' composition, and then painted them using completely different color schemes. Student confidence in their own artistic judgment and capabilities increased. (AM)