2nd Grade Color Value Umbrellas

A few weeks ago my 2nd graders finished up their color value unit with a project which focused on viewing objects from different sides and thinking about how the objects value changes based on the lighting conditions.  I know it sounds pretty complex for 2nd grade but we have been working on color value on and off throughout the year.  Below are some exampled of the finished compositions.

Every students used a template to help draw the umbrella which they later painted in using 6 different values of their chosen primary color.  After painting their umbrella they began to make their individual choices: heavy rain or light rain, were to put their horizon lines, how to make their puddles and perhaps most importantly what their person would be wearing in the rain!

My favorite part of their project was when we used "Jazz Gloss" paint to add the rain.  The paint retains the wet look even after it dries, the kids were amazed by it.