Gradient Snowman


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Select and assemble artworks for a personal portfolio.
  • 5b. Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Paint Blending
  • Foreground/Background
  • splatter painting
  • Art Element of Value
  • Art Principle of Emphasis

    • This project is similar to our "Good Night Painting" and is done in place of it.

    Tinting = Adding White
    Shading = Adding Black

    A practice session is done first: The teacher demonstrates tinting and shading techniques with paint in front of the class as students follow along on their paper. The term "Gradient" is used to describe how the paints blend from one color to the next. The Art Element "Value" is also explained.

    The next session students draw a frame around their paper using a ruler. (The frame helps so they can blend to the edges of the frame and not worry about painting on the table by accident.) They are shown how to compose their work so that the bright spot is not directly in the center of the painting and now they can use concentric rings of tints to make the "glow" fade out. --Continuing on to shades as the rings reach the ends of the paper.

    The next time we meet the blue gradient paper is glued to a white background and a white arch (snow hill) is cut out of paper and glued on top of the blue gradient. A snowman is drawn and cut out and added to the snow hill. The Art principle "Emphasis" is also explained.