A Splash of Color

In this lesson, second-graders explored the processes, intentions, and ideas of Color Field painters during three class periods. Using Visual Thinking Strategies, we examined and discussed artworks by Color Field painters, then watched a short documentary about Color Field abstraction.

Students experimented with acrylic paint and water on small unprimed canvases, creating their own miniature Color Field paintings. The next class, students worked in small groups to experiment with Color Field painting techniques to create large paintings on canvas. The classes concluded in a group discussion and students reflected on their collaboration.

Fields of Color
This project is ideal to do mid-year once it’s evident which students work well together and understand classroom routines. Students enjoyed collaborating and watching how the paints overlapped and interacted, and that prompted them to change their ideas as the work evolved.

A key part that makes this art experience a success is organization. Adequate workspace for groups of students to work, room for trays of materials, and space to move around are crucial. Identify spaces in advance where you can let the finished canvases dry flat and out of the way.

Here’s How It Flowed
We began by watching a short documentary about Color Field painting (see Resources). We discussed examples of Color Field artworks, starting with the question, What’s going on in this painting? After our discussion, students went to their work areas with acrylic paints, small unprimed canvases, water, and brushes to experiment with color and the materials on a small scale. This prepared them for our large-scale exploration.

While working, students commented on what they saw, what actions were needed to get the materials to work the way they wanted, and how they dealt with unforeseen circumstances. Many students enjoyed identifying images in some of the shapes that occurred accidentally—they liked working like “real” artists! I circulated around the room to listen and ask students how they created the colors or effects, engaging them to make connections between their actions and what they created.

Investigating with Visual Thinking
Using the Visual Thinking Routines Colors, Shapes, Lines, and See, Think, Wonder, we investigated additional examples of Color Field painting. Students noticed the flatness of the surface, minimal details, or recognizable objects, how the artwork evokes emotions, and how the artwork seems to extend beyond the canvas. We also watched two short videos, Meet Sam Gilliam (see Resources) and ArtSmart Helen Frankenthaler.

Large-Scale Collaboration
Students worked in groups of six, experimenting with Color Field painting techniques to create large acrylic paintings on canvas. Ideas emerged organically as they found ways to create cohesive images through the process of working with the materials.
Students experimented with spray bottles, squeegees, pouring the paint, and using large brushes to stain the canvas and create large or thin layers of overlapping color. I circulated around the room to observe their progress and chatted with students about what they observed with the materials they used.

Reflections
It was interesting to see how students worked out challenges. There were differing visions for what the finished products should look like that they had to resolve together. Some students started by working on only a small part of the canvas, and through the process, integrated their idea into the artwork as the painting evolved. Spray bottles were popular items, easily shared through rock-paper-scissors negotiation. The energy in the room during this project was positive, with students expressing that this was a fun project. The next class, we reflected on our experience and came up with titles for the paintings.