. . . winter color wheel

Winter is full of a lot of monochrome.  Whether it's white or brown, it's the one time of year where it seems like color takes a vacation. But when you really look closely. . .

. . . winter has a palette all of it's own.  It may not be the same intensity as the one we see in the other seasons, but like a prism, the white landscape is filled with hidden rainbows.

So, to help identify them clearly. . .

. . . I made a color wheel just for winter. Perfect to bring along on a winter hike to record every hue and shade that the season has to offer.  And now. . .

 . . . you can have one too!  Click on the image above for a full size color chart printable that you can take on your next adventure. 

Once you've recorded your winter color palette (use, paints, crayons, pencils, markers etc.), you can use that palette to do all of your favorite color activities.  Before you know it, you'll have a collection of winter art with a color and character all of its own! I think I might just have to do this for every season. . .

Here are a few of our favorite color activities to get you started:

Circle Paintings

Snowball Watercolors

Electric Beater Paintings

Snowflake Watercolor Resist Paintings

Color and shape activities from our book!

 

With the Kids: Use a prism to start a conversation about the hidden rainbows in white light. If your kids are a bit older or have an early interest in science, talk about light waves and why we see color the way we do. Pick a spot to go on a hike and pack a picnic or some cozy snacks.  This could be a trip to the woods or to your backyard. Invite friends to come search for colors with you. Try the color activities above with your winter palette and/or come up with your own color and shape activities. If you made up some of your own activities, share them with us so we can do them too!

 

~ Sarah