You made it! The school year is over, your supplies are (mostly) packed, and it’s time to swap classroom lights for real sunshine. Before full vacation mode kicks in, consider one small thing: color. Not lesson plans about color theory—just the joy of color. It’s low pressure, high impact, and easy to explore on your own time. Whether you’re sipping iced coffee or sketching at the beach, color has a way of sneaking back in and sparking fresh ideas without any planning.
Here are five fun, flexible ways to reconnect with color this summer.
1. Soak up the sun–and the color that comes with it.
Before you even pick up a paintbrush, challenge yourself to notice color in the wild. There is a vibrant world of wonder all around you if you take the time to observe! You may be surprised at how powerful these micro-moments of color observation can be to spark big inspiration.
Try these colorful ideas:
- Snap photos of colors that catch your eye on a walk.
- Match paint swatches to flowers, snacks, or pool floaties.
- Create a “color diary” with quick sketches or swatches from an outing.
Bookmark for the Fall:
Did you know that more than 30% of teachers said color theory was one of their most wanted professional development topics? If that’s you, save your summer observations for later. They’ll be the perfect foundation for lessons when the school year starts back up!
2. Watch something that sparks a new idea.
If you’re looking for summer watchlist recommendations, add in some light and fun PD moments. Whether it’s a short video, a podcast by the pool, or skimming a guide with your morning coffee, professional learning can actually feel motivational and invigorating. In fact, 60% of art teachers told us their district’s PD wasn’t cutting it. If that’s you, why not make your own? Choose topics that excite you (like color theory!) and dive in on your terms, no essay or paperwork required.
For a low-effort boost, check out a quick PRO Learning Pack like Color Theory Basics. Start by brushing up on your color theory skills and concepts with mediums beyond paint. The Pack is also full of easy-to-apply ideas, like collaborative color games and media-mixing challenges. Plus, they are perfect for experimentation at home or adapting later.
Do one of these just-for-you color activities:
- Spin-the-Wheel Palette Challenge
Pick five random colors using a spinner app or dice and create a mini artwork using only those hues. - Summer Snack Still Life
Grab fruit from the fridge and sketch a quick still life—but with a twist! Choose an intentional color scheme (analogous, complementary, or warm/cool) and stick to it for the entire piece. - Music-to-Color Match
Put on your favorite summer playlist and make a color palette that captures its energy.
3. Get messy with your favorite colors.
Who said FLEX Curriculum is just for student artmaking? This summer, make art for fun instead of for a demo or sample. Select an old or new lesson and ignore the grade level, ditch the objective, and simply create. If it’s been a while since you’ve made art and feel stuck, use the instructions to guide your process. However, if you feel inspired, feel free to walk away from the project steps and do your own innovative thing!
Check out these color-focused ideas from FLEX that are perfect for adults, too:
- Compose a cool-colored self-portrait and explore the difference between digital and traditional media.
- Gather found materials and create a nature-inspired collage that plays with color and movement.
- Turn your daily mood into an abstract mixed-media piece using color as your guide.
Pro Tip from Artist Art Teachers:
For those who struggle with finding the time, keep your favorite supplies out and visible. When they’re easy to grab, you’re more likely to play!
4. Reset your brain with a coloring art break.
You can’t have color without… coloring! Let your brain relax and wander with a simple, no-pressure art break focused entirely on color. Revisit your favorite childhood crayon colors. (You know the ones: Cerulean, Macaroni and Cheese, and Jungle Green.) Choose 3–5 and create an abstract piece using only those hues. Instead of contour lines, play with layering, blending, or pattern to see what feelings or memories those colors evoke. Rediscover the emotional and nostalgic power of color and take a summer trip down memory lane.
5. Swap swatches and stories with other color theory art nerds.
Artmaking is more fun with friends—even the virtual kind! Share wild stories that only other art teachers would get, geek out over your favorite paint pen colors, and network to plan your dream art museum tour. You’ll walk away with even more amazing ideas for work-life balance, artmaking inspiration, and leveling up your teaching practice.
Here are two places to connect with art teacher friends just like you:
- Pop into The Art of Ed Community to share what you’re creating, or get inspired by others who are exploring color in playful and unexpected ways.
- Register for the online Art Ed NOW Conference, where thousands of art teachers gather to create, laugh, and recharge for the back-to-school season.
After a long school year, you’ve earned time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with what brings you joy. As an art teacher, there’s no better way to rejuvenate than through color. Simply delight in your surroundings and absorb color like you absorb the sunshine! Take playful breaks to spot swatches in the wild, reminisce about nostalgic colors, or share a “Look what I made!” post with your community. Every colorful moment counts, so give yourself permission to make this summer a vibrant one that transforms your own practice and inspires your future students, too!
What’s one color-filled activity you’re excited to try this summer?
Share your most unexpected color pairing!
To chat about color theory with other art teachers, join us in the The Art of Ed Community!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
