Tinted Mosaics

5^th graders began their color theory unit learning all about tints. They learned that tints are made by adding color to white. The first step of their project was to make a tinted gradient of one color, starting with white and ending with the regular color. Once dry, students used a ruler and measured one inch strips that were then cut down again into one inch squares.

Next they looked at several examples of mosaic artwork. Mosaic is the art of creating images with small pieces of colored glass, stone or other materials. It is an art form that has been around for more than 4000 years!

Students started their mosaics by gluing a yellow circle down on the background paper. Next they started gluing down their tinted squares in a circle pattern around the yellow circle. They were to start with the lightest color and work their way to the darkest color until their paper was filled. They were to pay close attention to gluing their squares flat to the paper, spacing the squares out evenly, and making sure to keep the circle pattern.

The last step was to draw and then cut out a fall tree and glue it on top of the mosaic.

Learning targets for this project were:

I can paint a tinted gradient.

I can measure an inch with my ruler.

I can make sure all pieces of paper stay glued down.