some like it hot

pastels, black construction paper, small circle stencil

I had first seen this project on the oodlesofart.blogspot.com and loved the simplicity and the function of this project. Introducing the theory of colors can be a little overwhelming but talking about them in a way that is understandable like "HOT" and "COOL" is fun and universal. Everyone can join in, even the youngest of artists can call out what colors are hot and what colors are cool. I began the project with drawing their own hands with black pastels, some paired up to draw each others hand which can help expedite the project a little faster. Then the students placed a circle stencil where they wanted to begin the circle pattern on the paper. It was interesting to see the results, I used the example of dropping a pebble into the water so they would have an idea of how the circles should form. I had one student create a little chaos with their circles which I thought at first oh no, but I found as the colors began to fill in the space as a very successful piece, how unexpected! It was satisfying to watch the sizzle of hot colors interact with the cools of blues, purples, and greens on the black paper.