3 sessions; 35 minutes per session

1. SWBAT differentiate between warm and cool colors.
2. SWBAT describe Eric Carle's painting technique and style.
3. SWBAT create an Eric Carle inspired owl using warm and cool colors.

1. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle (or any Eric Carle book).
2. Tempera paint
3. Paint Brushes
4. Scissors
5. Chalk
6. Glue
7. Paper (any paper will work that can hold up to tempera paints)

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. (Day 1) Read Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle. Discuss the story. Is it okay to paint animals using non realistic colors? Discuss.
2. On the Smart Board, introduce warm and cool colors by showing several squares of color lined up. Have students come to the board and move the color to the “warm” side or the “cool” side.
-Correct and discuss as they take turns.
3. Students will each receive two pieces of paper.
-Show a quick video from youtube (see related resource) on Eric Carle's collage technique.
-Discuss his technique and demonstrate how to paint paper for the class (you could use tissue paper but I did not).
-On the first piece, only have students paint the paper using “cool” colors, such as blue, green, and purple.
-On the second sheet, only have students use “warm” colors, such as red, yellow, and orange. Let dry.
4. (Day 2) Pass out students’ papers from day 1.
-Demonstrate how to draw an owl on the smart board.
-Have students draw an owl (using chalk) onto their paper (if they make a mistake, then can just wipe it off and re-do).
-They can either make the owl warm or cool.
-Make the eyes and wings the opposite color.
5. Cut out parts and glue onto parts where they belong.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WELWxC0oQDY (Website to show Eric Carle's technique-he talks about his technique at 1:45)

I loved teaching this lesson and my students loved learning about Eric Carle and creating their own animal using his technique!

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

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

[K-4] Students know the differences between materials, techniques, and processes

[K-4] Students use visual structures and functions of art to communicate ideas

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

Color/Value

Painting, Tempera

English/Language Arts, Science