In this mess-free project, school-aged kids will learn to create art based on primary and secondary colors. We’ve included free printable pages to make this project easy to complete at home or in the classroom.
Understanding primary & Secondary Colors
Primary Colors: Are colors that cannot be created by combining other colors. Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow.
Secondary Colors: Are colors that are created by using equal amounts of two primary colors. Secondary colors are orange, green, and purple.
Related: Learn about using one color to create various values.
Supplies Needed to Make this primary & secondary colors Art Project
- Free Printable Pages – Download Below
- Crayons or Colored Pencils – only Red, Blue, and Yellow colors
Download the Primary & Secondary Colors Printable Here
Using our free download makes this project easy for kids to learn about colors. Without drawing the design elements themselves, kids have more time to focus on color skills and blending.
Directions to Make this Primary & Secondary Colors art project
Step 1
Begin by coloring the red, blue, and yellow portions of the color wheel. These are the primary colors.
Step 2
In the unlabeled portions of the color wheel, layer the two neighboring primary colors to discover a secondary color. For example, between red and yellow, kids color one layer of yellow followed by one layer of red to create the secondary color orange.
Tip: Blending colors will be easier if kids do not use much pressure when applying layers. Kids may wish to continue alternating the two colors until desired secondary color is reached
Step 3
Kids use their color wheel as a guide to color one giraffe using only primary colors, and the other giraffe using only secondary colors.
Finished Primary & Secondary Colors Art Project
I love how these cute and colorful giraffes turned out! Since these projects are made on paper, they are easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this primary & Secondary Art Project
We enjoyed coloring these pages based on primary and secondary colors. I also love that this project is mess free so I can assign it when needing a substitute to teach.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Free Printable Pages – Color Wheel and Giraffes
Tools
- Crayons or Colored Pencils – only red, blue, and yellow.
Instructions
- Color the red, blue, and yellow portions of the color wheel. These are the primary colors.
- In the unlabeled portions of the color wheel, layer the two neighboring primary colors to discover a secondary color. For example, between red and yellow, kids color one layer of yellow followed by one layer of red to create the secondary color orange. Tip: Blending colors will be easier if kids do not use much pressure when applying layers. Kids may wish to continue alternating the two colors until desired secondary color is reached.
- Kids use their color wheel as a guide to color one giraffe using only primary colors, and the other giraffe using only secondary colors.
Notes
Primary & Secondary Art Variations
- Print downloaded designs onto cardstock and complete project using paints or other heavier mediums.
- Have kids choose their own design to draw rather than using the giraffe download.
Primary & Secondary Art Variations
- Print downloaded designs onto cardstock and complete project using paints or other heavier mediums.
- Have kids choose their own design to draw rather than using the giraffe download.
Other Fun Primary color Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog – H2
Did your kids enjoy this project on primary and secondary colors? What supplies did they use?
