No doubt you have access to a few candy hearts right about now; I know I do. So instead of gobbling them up, I decided to turn these sweet pastel treats into an art project!
This candy hearts lesson is a great way for kids in grades 3 and above to observe a color and try to replicate the value. You can free-draw the heart or use a template. The older the child, the easier it is to draw a large heart.
Drawing a heart big enough to paint inside is the goal of this art project so if you notice that some children are struggling with drawing the heart, use a template.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
– Liquid tempera paints
– Paper plates
– 6″ white paper squares
– Pencil
– Black marker
– A few sweet heart candies
CREATING VALUE
Tints are created by mixing white to any hue (color). This might seem rather boring but I tell you, kid’s LOVE watching white paint do it’s magic on a color. It really is all about the paint mixing here, so if you can give each child a small paper plate in which to explore the painting mixing, please do.
Begin by placing a quarter size dollop of white paint in the center of each child’s plate.
Place a candy heart (random colors) on the plate and then squirt a dime-sized dollop of the candy color on the plate too.
Some colors like light teal require three colors: white, turquoise and yellow.
For the older students, using COMPLEMENTARY colors add an authentic darker tone or SHADE to use as the contrast. Although, it just might be easier to use less white for the darker parts of the candy hearts.
Mix the white and colors together until the color is the same as the candy heart.
PAINTING THE HEART
Painting the heart is very quick because the paper size is small (6″ x 6″). This allows the child to create more than one heart. If you are doing this lesson with younger kids (ages 6-8) use a larger 10″ x `10″ paper. The bigger area is more forgiving.
Where the shadows lies on the heart, use a darker color to add as the contrast.
When the heart is done, consider adding a Complementary Color to the background.
ADDING BLACK CONTRAST & WORDING
This step is optional but very effective for older students (age 9 and up). When paint is completely dry, outline hearts with the black marker. Use cross-hatching to indicate the sides of the candy heart.
Then, if the kids want (and they will!), add a favorite quote.
To help with this lesson, click the button below to download a PDF that contains a TINT color wheel, a HEART template and a TINT & SHADE worksheet for your students.
(*NOTE: We recommend downloading the freebie using Chrome or Safari.)
This is adorable!! ! However, PDF email link says “page not found”. Thank you!! 🙂
Go ahead and try again 🙂
Working now! Thanks!
Thanks for saving me for an art project for tomorrow! Looking for something for fourth grade that would be fun and creative and use paint. We will have to finish the next week for the background and crosshatching but I think it’s worth it.
What a FABULOUS idea!
Love these! I may have the kids cut the hearts out and put them in pop-up cards… or these would make a really nice Any Warhol study!
Meant ANDY!
How do I get the PDF? I clicked on the link and was promoted to sign up for the newsletter. I already get your newsletter, but I signed up again. Now when I go to the website I can’t seem to find it. Please help! Thanks! And love this super cute lesson. Going to try it with 2nd grade. 🙂
Edit – Please disregard above comment. I checked my email and there it was! Thank YOU!
Summer
This is fabulous — I did this with my second graders and it was a big hit!
C
How does the Access PDF work? I got a welcome email, but no pdf. Nor did it take to to a page with a pdf after I typed in my info.
Once you enter your name and email, you’ll receive the PDF via your email address. Of course, your address must be entered correctly. The email is often sent to spam folders. If you need help, you can contact support@deepspacesparkle.com
Great idea for having students learn to make tints!
ADORABLE! Can’t wait to try this in a class!
I am also getting page not found. Is there any way to get access to the heart template?
Hi Ange,
Scroll down to the Turquoise banner and click ACCESS PDF…just add your email and we’ll email you the freebie! Enjoy!
It redirects and says page not found
Hi Maureen,
Scroll down to the banner and click ACCESS PDF…just add your email and we’ll email you the freebie! If you don’t see it in your inbox shortly check your junk folder just in case. Enjoy!
cant access pdf
Hi Claudia! I just double checked and everything is working on our end. If you click the download button and add your email address we will send the lesson directly to your inbox. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk folders to make sure it didn’t end up there. Enjoy.
I love this! Great for several grade levels I teach. I am not the art teacher, but our lower grades do not have art in their schedules, so I try to include it in my library lessons when I can. Thanks so much!
Adorable, I think this would link in nicely with SPHE lessons. I will ty it with my 2nd class group.
I like the idea of using colors other than ‘red’ for the valentine hearts. Also, thumbs up for including color theory – a nice way to stay in curriculum for this holiday activity.
I think I will attempt this! In these times, we can all use a little more L O V E…. I am a bit hesitant as I teach kindergarten but if I want them to take risk, so must I. I love the lesson and will do my best.
Beautiful and easy lesson. Thank you!
I have tried about 3 times to download the valentine heart activity but it hasn’t come through.
Hi Julie! I just sent you the lesson via email. Keep your eyes out for it and be sure to check that it didn’t end up in your spam folder.
THANK YOU
great
Can’t wait to try this.
Love this project!
I love this!
love these art projects and this site. Thank you so much
I love that this is simple, adds some holiday fun, and yet still teaches an element of curriculum! Thank you.
Unable to download. Looks like the perfect project for my primary kiddos
Thanks! Love it
Link isnt working?
Hi Mindy! Everything is working on our end. If you click the download button and add your email address we will send the lesson directly to your inbox. If you don’t see the pop up box it might be because there’s a firewall up preventing you from seeing it. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk folders to make sure it didn’t end up there. We have found that the Firefox browser doesn’t work as well on our site but both Chrome & Safari browsers work so be sure to try using one of those. Enjoy.
Candy Hearts painting PDF, please!
Hi Reb! If you click the download button and add your email address we will send the Back to School guide directly to your inbox. If you don’t see the pop up box it might be because there’s a firewall up preventing you from seeing it. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk folders to make sure it didn’t end up there. We have found that the Firefox browser doesn’t work as well on our site but both Chrome & Safari browsers work so be sure to try using one of those. Enjoy.
lovely
I love this.