Objective:

Students will learn how colors and composition can evoke emotions in art. They will create an abstract or representational artwork using color choices and composition to communicate a specific emotion.

Materials:

  • Acrylic or tempera paints (or colored pencils/pastels if no paint is available)

  • Brushes and water cups

  • Large drawing paper or canvas

  • Palette for mixing colors

  • Reference images (examples of famous expressive artworks)

  • Pencils and erasers

Emotion Through Color and Composition

Grade Level: 6th-8th

Time Duration: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Lesson Breakdown

Day 1: Introduction & Exploration

  1. Warm-up Discussion (10-15 min)

    • Ask students: How do colors make you feel? What emotions do you associate with red, blue, yellow, or green?

    • Show examples of paintings by artists like Edvard Munch ("The Scream"), Mark Rothko, or Vincent van Gogh ("Starry Night").

    • Discuss how different compositions (diagonal, balanced, chaotic) can also affect emotions in artwork.

  2. Color Experimentation (20 min)

    • Have students create a color emotion chart by blending and labeling colors with feelings (e.g., dark blue = sadness, bright yellow = joy).

    • Encourage them to mix unexpected colors to see if they can create new emotional tones.

  3. Brainstorming & Sketching (15 min)

    • Ask students to choose an emotion they want to express.

    • Have them sketch out a rough composition that conveys that emotion using abstract or figurative elements.

Day 2: Painting & Expression

  1. Finalizing the Sketch (15 min)

    • Review their initial sketches, discuss possible improvements, and finalize their ideas.

  2. Painting (30-40 min)

    • Students begin painting, focusing on using color and composition to reflect their chosen emotion.

    • Encourage them to layer colors and use different brushstrokes to enhance mood.

Day 3: Refinement & Critique

  1. Finishing Touches (20 min)

    • Students refine their paintings, adding details or enhancing color intensity.

  2. Class Critique & Reflection (25 min)

    • Each student presents their artwork and explains their color and composition choices.

    • Classmates provide positive feedback and constructive criticism.

  3. Exit Reflection (5 min)

    • Students write a short response: How did your artwork successfully convey emotion? What would you change if you did it again?

Adaptations & Extensions

  • For Advanced Students: Allow them to create a diptych (two-piece artwork) showing contrasting emotions.

  • For Students Who Struggle: Offer pre-mixed color palettes and simpler composition guides.

  • Cross-Curricular Connection: Discuss how emotions in art relate to literature or music.

Assessment Criteria (Rubric)