Constructivist Lesson Revision

Kaitlyn Davis
February 8, 2016
Dr Barth

Title: Color Psychology

Subject: Art I, grades 8-12th, color theory
State Standards: CR.2.VAI.1/CR.3.VAI.3 - use the elements and principles of art in an artistic
composition; CR.3.VAI.3 - create artwork(s) w/ a specific intent from direct observation using
wet and dry media; CR.3.VAI.4 Create artwork(s) with a specific intent using a variety of media,
techniques, processes, and tools; P.5.VAI.1 Participate in the process of exhibiting personal
artwork(s) (e.g., plan, select, promote, install, attend)
Intro/Activity: This is a three-part lesson consisting of analysis/discussion, demo/student activity,
and critique. On day one we will be looking at familiar artworks, but with new questions in mind.
For instance; Vincent Van Goghs Night Cafe. Students will be asked guided questions like
where is this image painted? what is happening in this picture? describe the colors you see
what kind of emotions is this work making you feel? happy? sad? anxious? angry? what colors
play the most prominent role in this? how might you change the colors to make it seem happy?
sad? calm? busy?. This would continue for a few more images and before the end of class I
would introduce briefly the lesson they would begin working on the following class period. For
homework they should begin gathering sets of opposites, particularly emotions or states of being.
The next few days would be work days. Next day I will give a demonstration to the class using
scissors, color-aide and glue. Students will be expected to complete 4-6 pairs of small (4x5 or so)
color schemes using the Color Aides or other like material, provided by me. Each pair should
strive to create opposite descriptions of emotions/states of being (a word bank could be useful).
Compositions should be kept abstract in nature so that the color isnt competing with anything
else.Work will also be mounted in coordinating pairs. Last day will be critique, along with which
we will play a game to guess the opposites students chose.
Guided Practice: As students work, I will walk around, assessing progress. I will help students
move along, or to go back and rework. I will ask questions to help students to move in a good
direction.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on the completion of 4-6 sets of opposites,
cleanliness/craftsmanship, strength/interest of composition, and participation during critique.
Critique will take place in one class day, or more as desired. Students will tack their mounted
work on the wall and we will play a game to guess what emotions/states of being, this will help
gauge success among student works.
Follow-up activity: As a follow up to the knowledge and acquired skill of using arbitrary color,
students will be creating a narrative self-portrait. No realistic colors will be used, they will be
used in the same manner as the previous lesson. Students may use a color scheme they created or
saw during critique as the basis for their portrait. Or they may create something new. For this
assignment students will assessed on the application of knowledge from the Color Psychology
lesson.