Painting Mountains- Mix to Problem-Solve

4th grade was given the challenge to paint monochromatic (white, black, and one other color) mountain horizons. Looking at photographs of The Rocky Mountains, we noticed a pattern of values; The sky was usually the lightest, and each layer of mountains got dark as the eye moved farther down from the sky. Students had to problem solve through mixing colors to achieve different values, creating depth in their mountain landscapes.

This activity teaches the following 2020 Colorado State Academic Standards of Visual Arts:

Fourth Grade, Standard 3. Invent and Discover to Create, Grade Level Expectation: 2. Utilize media in traditional and inventive ways to communicate personal intent. Evidence Outcome: b. Problem-solve and persist to determine the outcome of a final product.

Third Grade, Standard 2. Envision and Critique to Reflect, Grade Level Expectation: 2. Synthesize ideas about personal works of art and imagine possible next steps. Evidence Outcomes: b. Envision solutions to artmaking problems.

First Grade, Standard 4. Relate and Connect to Transfer, Grade Level Expectation: 1. Identify how artists and designers make connections through personal stories between self, family and friends. Evidence Outcome: a. Tell about the people and places in everyday life through works of art and design.

Kindergarten, Standard 3. Invent and Discover to Create, Grade Level Expectation: 1. Investigate the properties of materials to support the planning and making of works of art. Evidence Outcome: a. Investigate various properties of tools and materials.