This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils develop their painting skills by learning how to use tints and shades to add depth and tone.

Children begin by painting an animal template, mixing a base colour with black to create darker shades and with white to create lighter tints. They will gradually build layers, blending each section smoothly so the tones flow together. Pupils are encouraged to work neatly, paying attention to edges and transitions. Once the animal is complete, pupils extend their learning by painting the background in contrasting tones, reinforcing their understanding of light and dark balance. By the end of the lesson, children will have practised mixing colours, blending smoothly, and applying paint with control to create effective tonal variations.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 3 Art and design skills unit.

See more of our original key stage 2 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, key stage 2, Art and design skills, Lesson 2: Painting: Tints and shades – Option 1.