Elementary

The Essential Questions
How does color help to tell a story?

Objective
Students will use color to complement an illustration. Color can be used symbolically, to induce an emotion, or as character code.

Materials
permanent markers, paper, foil sheets, washable markers, spray bottles

Procedures
1. Students use permanent markers to draw a picture that tells a story. This will include characters, action, and a setting. Students can choose their own style or format.
2. Demonstrate printmaking techniques, focusing on the mirrorimage effect, or reversal of the print.
3. On completion of their illustration, give students a sheet of foil the same size as their paper and completely cover it with their chosen colors of washable marker. The colors will be printed on top of their drawings, so students should carefully consider color placements.
4. After the foil is covered in washable marker, students spray water on the foil and then press their drawing face down over the wet foil. The paper absorbs the marker, creating a monoprint when it is pulled from the foil.

Assessment
Did students thoughtfully incorporate colors into their illustration? Do the colors guide the viewerʼs perception of the narrative?

Sue Liedke is an art teacher at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.