Autumn Trees

Students in grades 4-6 created these autumn trees as an in depth study of color and value. We began by drawing out a grid in pencil and painting the shapes in a monochromatic color scheme. Students could choose one color and then create different tints and shades of that color to complete the painting. We then learned about atmospheric perspective- how in a landscape objects that are farther away become lighter and blurrier. Students then created three horizon lines and trees, the closest were dark while the ones farther away got lighter and smaller. This was a great lesson for teaching color theory- monochromatic, tints and shades as well as the concept of value and how it adds depth to an artwork.