3 sessions; 45 minutes per session

1. SWBAT identify and draw different parts of the eye.
2. SWBAT divide a circle into 12 parts.
3. SWBAT identify and paint Primary colors on the color wheel.
4. SWBAT identify, mix, and paint Secondary colors on the color wheel.
5. SWBAT identify, mix, and paint Intermediate/Tertiary colors on the color wheel.

1. White drawing paper (I used 12x18)
2. Pencils
3. Images of eyes
4. Tempera paint (acrylic could also be used)
5. Circle to trace for iris of eye (keeps it consistent for all students)

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. Spend time sharing a little about the human eye.
-Students should be able to identify the sclera (the white part of the eye), the iris, and the pupil.
-Discuss the lines and shapes of the eye lid, brow, and lashes.
2. Draw an enlarged eye by tracing a circle stencil (I made one from tagboard. Since we were going to do a color wheel on the iris, I wanted students to start with a good circle that was the same for everyone.
3. Guide students in sketching out the rest of the eye.
4. Divide circle into 12 sections (We had a bit of a math lesson on fractions during this process.)
5. Review Primary, Secondary, and Intermediate colors
-marking out where each color goes helps younger students
6. Paint in color wheel
7. Use black paint to create lines and details of the eye
8. Older students can use different values of black to shads corners of eyeball to create the illusion of a sphere

Students will write an artist statement that includes the steps they took to paint in each area of the color wheel. They will also be asked to name parts of the eye that they can remember. They will be asked to share what their favorite and least favorite parts of the project were.

You can read a blog post on this project here - http://splatsscrapsandglueblobs.blogspot.com/2012/10/color-wheel-eyes.html

I did this project with 4th and 5th graders but feel it can be a great project for older students as well.
Students loved it and the results!

I've also done a similar successful project using animal eyes.

[K-4] Students use art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner

[K-4] Students use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories

[9-12 Proficient] Students apply media, techniques, and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks

[5-8] Students integrate visual, spatial, and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in their artworks

[K-4] Students identify connections between the visual arts and other disciplines in the curriculum

Color/Value, Proportion/Size

Painting

Math, Science