Grade 4 Art And Craft Picture Making – Painting:Tonal Variation Strip Notes

Art & Craft — Picture Making

Subtopic: Painting — Tonal Variation Strip (Age 9)

A tonal variation strip shows the same colour from very light to very dark. Artists use it to practice making light and shadow so pictures look more real. Today we will make a simple strip using paint or pencil.

Materials (Kenyan classrooms / home):

• Poster paint (tempera) or watercolours, or HB pencil / 2B pencil
• Paper (half sheet), paint brush or pencil, water cup, scrap paper/newspaper
• Plate or bottle cap as a palette, tissue or cloth for drying
• Ruler (optional), pencil sharpener

What to do — Paint tonal strip (easy steps):

1. Fold or draw a long rectangle on your paper (about 18 cm × 4 cm).
2. Divide the rectangle into 6 equal boxes with light lines or a ruler.
3. Pick one colour (e.g., blue). Put a small blob on your palette.
4. Box 1: Use almost only water (very light). Paint a thin wash — this is 'very light'.
5. Box 2–5: Add less water or a little more paint each box so the colour becomes stronger.
6. Box 6: Use pure paint (no water) for the darkest tone — 'very dark'.
7. Let dry. Label boxes 1 (very light) to 6 (very dark).

Pencil tonal strip (no paint)

Make six circles or boxes. For each one press your pencil differently:

Practice Activity (Classroom/Home)

1. Work in pairs. Choose one colour for each pair.
2. Make a tonal strip on scrap paper (6 boxes). Time: 10 minutes.
3. Use your strip to shade a simple drawing — for example: mango, cup, or a simple tree trunk.
4. Show to the teacher or parent: explain where the light comes from and which side is dark.

Why it helps in picture making

• Tonal strips teach you to move from light to dark — good for drawing shadows.
• They help you make objects look round and real (showing light and shade).
• You can use one colour and still make beautiful pictures with tones.

Safety & neat tips

• Cover your table with newspaper. Wash hands after painting.
• If using poster paint, add white to make lighter tones (or add water for watercolours).
• Keep brushes clean and use a tissue to dry them before changing tones.

Quick self-check (tick when done)

• Made 6 boxes and filled from very light to very dark ☐
• Used the strip to shade a simple drawing ☐
• Explained where the light is coming from ☐