School aged kids will learn about the value scale with our free printable. Value is important for artists to understand to help them use tools more efficiently. This mess-free project is easy, requires minimal supplies, and can be done at home or in a classroom.
ART PROJECT EMPHASIZING VALUE
For this project, we are introducing students to the value scale with a simple worksheet. Kids will learn how art supplies can vary in use and final appearance.
WHAT IS VALUE?
The value of art refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.
– MASTERCLASS –
By knowing the value scale of a color, artists are able to use fewer supplies, while adding detail, depth, and variety to their work.
Related: We have also have a Value Scale Art Project for Older Kids.
Supplies Needed to Make this Value Scale Project
- Free Printable – Download below
- Pencil
- Colored Pencil – Pick only one colored pencil to use, darker colors preferred.
- Crayon – Pick only one colored pencil to use, darker colors preferred.
- Blank Paper – Optional
Download The Free Printable Here
Directions to Make Value Scale Art
Step 1
With the pencil, have the child write his or her while name pressing down as hard as possible (without breaking the pencil). This can be done either at the top of the printable, the back of the printable, or on a separate sheet of paper.
Then, with the same pencil, have the child write his or her name again, but as lightly as possible.
Point out to the child how different the two names look even though the same pencil was used. This will help kids understand how easily they can achieve different values in art.
Step 2
Using the same pencil, kids will now fill in the value scale at the top of the printable. Notice this scale moves from darkest to lightest. Kids will begin shading the box with heavy pressure and slowly ease up as they move along the scale to achieve the lightest value.
Step 3
Next, have the kids use one supply for each row of fruit on the printable. Kids are only to use that one supply and color for that fruit image (For example: Avocados – Pencil, Pineapple and Watermelon – Colored Pencil, Grapes – Crayon). Kids need to use the same pressure technique to achieve different values of supplies to match the shading on the image.
Finished Value Scale Art Project
I love how these finished value scale art projects look. Kids will now have a better understanding of how to use their supplies for various results. Since this project is created on a piece of paper, it can be framed, hung on the refrigerator, or mounted in any way you choose!
OUR EXPERIENCE MAKING THIS VALUE SCALE ART PROJECT
I believe this is a great opportunity for kids to learn the value scale in a fun and interesting way. This project uses few supplies and is easy to complete. The simplicity of this project makes it a great lesson for kids at home or in the classroom.
When I teach this lesson within the classroom, Kids love to hold up their names in the beginning to see who was able to draw the darkest or lightest. I always make a point to really encourage the students by talking about how dark they wrote without breaking the supplies. Also, how they wrote so lightly that I could barely see it across the room! Students get such a kick out of me squinting and trying my best to read their names.
Value Scale Variations
- After completing this project, if time allows, I encourage my students to pick their favorite supply from the project and create a picture of their choice. They are still only able to use one color and supply for the entire drawing. This gives children a chance to see how values can apply to their artwork outside of a worksheet.
- This printable could be easily adapted for older kids with more advanced supplies and techniques. Tip: Consider supplies when printing, a heavier paper such as cardstock may be preferred.
Prep Time
1 minute
Active Time
10 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Materials
- Free Printable Download
- Blank Paper – optional
Tools
- Pencil
- Colored Pencil – Pick only one colored pencil to use, darker colors preferred.
- Crayon – Pick only one colored pencil to use, darker colors preferred.
Instructions
- With a pencil, kids write their name both as dark and lightly as they can.
- With pencil, and heavy pressure, begin value scale on the “Darkest” side. Kids lighten pressure as they move across the scale to the “Lightest” side.
- Color in each fruit pair using only one supply per set. Kids need to use the same pressure technique to achieve different values of supplies to match the shading on the image.
OTHER USEFUL VALUE SCALE ART LINKS FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
What supply was your child’s favorite to use in this project? What did he or she draw using this new knowledge of the value scale?
