Sample Lesson Plan

 
 

Monochromatic Gradient Collage

Objective:

Students learn the fundamentals of creating a gradient scale in a monochromatic color scheme, and how to achieve a scale of shades using the ripped paper technique. 

End Result:

The finished piece is a paper collage of a mountain landscape that smoothly transitions through a monochromatic gradient scale, starting with the lightest light (tint) and moving down to the darkest dark (shade). 

Age group:

Grades 9-12

Vocabulary:

  • Gradient

  • Tints & Shades

  • Contour Line

  • Texture

  • Perspective

  • Organic

  • Transition

Materials:

  • Magazines

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Cardstock paper

  • Ruler

  • Pencil

*Relies on the previous assignment where students create a monochromatic gradient scale in acrylic paint.

Learned skills:

  • Basics of color mixing

  • Smooth blending

  • Tints & shades in paint

  • Gradients

Process:

1. Students choose which monochromatic color scheme they will be creating. They can choose either a primary or secondary color. In example, the color blue, then mixed with whites for tints and black for shades.

2. Students go through different magazines looking for images with colors fitting their scheme that also have clear texture, to mimic the mountain surface. 

3. Instead of using scissors, students are required to rip the images out, which creates a ragged and organic line. 

  • Students are shown a quick demo on how to rip paper out in a straight line. 

5. Using a ruler, students create the outline of their piece, one inch bordering on each side. 

6. They use a pencil to sketch out their six mountain range contours. 

7. Starting with TINTS, the students  assemble their lightest shades. The lightest colors (almost white) start at the top, as the farthest perspective. Students are taught to overlap images and secure them with a glue stick to the paper.

8. Moving down the paper, students smoothly transition through their gradation of shades, eventually getting to their darkest shade while adhering to the pencil contour line that defines the ridges of the mountain range.