3rd grade artists have been studying color theory, exploring different ways colors can be grouped to create various meanings and sensations in artworks. They learned about complementary, analogous, warm, and cool colors, and identified these color schemes in the works of artists Mark Rothko and Alma Thomas, both known for emphasizing color and shape over subject matter. By keeping their shapes simple, Rothko and Thomas encourage viewers to focus on the visual impact of color juxtapositions and reflect on the emotions and imagery these colors evoke.

Inspired by Rothko and Thomas, students chose three colors from the 12-color wheel and created their own abstract paintings, focusing on balance, pattern, texture, and layering. They identified the color schemes and groups to which their chosen colors belong, and, upon completing their artworks, reflected on the thoughts and feelings their paintings inspired.

To deepen their understanding, students participated in a “Round-The-Room” critique, in which each student shared a noun, adjective, verb, and emotion that their classmates' paintings evoked. They used these descriptive words to compose Haiku poems. The paintings and poems will soon be displayed in the halls of BZ. Please take a moment to visit the exhibit if you have the opportunity!