This Art and design scheme of work video introduces a lesson in which pupils apply their colour mixing skills to create the illusion of three-dimensional form using tints and shades.

The lesson begins with a discussion about shadows and how they are formed when light is blocked. Pupils observe how areas furthest from the light source appear darker, and how recreating these contrasts with paint can make a flat image look 3D.

Children will choose a simple curved object, such as a cup or apple, and draw it onto a grid template. They’ll select one base colour and mix a good amount of it, dividing it between two areas of their palette, one for tints with white and one for shades with black. Using the grid, pupils paint each square a slightly different colour, working gradually from mid-tone to darker and lighter areas. Pupils should regularly look closely at where light and shadow fall and to adjust their mixes carefully. If something doesn’t look right, they can simply paint over it.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Light and dark unit.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, Painting and mixed media: Light and dark, Lesson 2: Three dimensions.