Britto Monochromatic Pumpkins

2nd Grade
2 Class Periods

Britto Monochromatic Pumpkins, 2nd Grade Art Lesson

*This lesson idea was discovered on Deep Space Sparkle.  I thought I would give it a try this year.  I do love the results, but maybe next year instead of doing a monochromatic theme I may have students paint with the bright colors that he uses throughout his artwork to make it relate more to the artist being studied.

Romero Britto was born in Brazil on October 6, 1963.  He is considered a Pop Artist.  His artwork is well known for their bold outlines, bright colors and whimsical patterns.

Romero Britto

Heart Kids by Romero Britto.

Day 1:

Students began day one of this lesson by drawing a pumpkin together as a class on a piece of 9 x 12 inch orange paper.  (I had various tints and shades of orange paper cut for students to choose from).  After the pumpkin was in place, we divided up the background of the composition using a ruler.  In one of the spaces I instructed the students to place diagonal lines, in another space vertical or horizontal lines and in a third space a zig zag line.

Breaking up background space with a ruler.

Compositions were then outlined with a sharpie marker.

As students were outlining their compositions, I set up palettes of liquid tempera paint that contained orange, yellow, red, brown and white paint.

Students were shown how to create tints and shade of orange with the paint on their palette to create a monochromatic color scheme. Students used the remaining minutes of class to start painting the tints and shades in their composition.  I encouraged students to leave some of the paper showing since it was also orange.

Painting monochromatic scheme.

Day 2:

On the second day of class I had several painting stations set up in the class room.  

The first station contained the same colors of paint that we used on the first day for students to continue painting in areas to create that monochromatic scheme.  (Some of my students needed more time to complete this from the previous class period).

The second station had a palette that contained orange, yellow, white, brown and red.  Students were instructed NOT to mix these colors.  They used these colors to paint in patterns and designs inspired by Romero Britto.  I allowed them to paint in areas with white as well.

Adding patterns with paint.

The third station was set up with black paint.  Students used the black paint and a very tiny brush to outline all the areas where they originally placed sharpie marker.  Students were given tips on how to hold their brush and how now to smudge their lines.  I also, allowed students to paint in areas with black or create patterns with the black paint as well.

Examples of Student Work: