VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 2
contrast color such as black paper behind a bright yellow canvas. Color and
contrast choices should be based on individual student needs and strengths.
Teachers could also apply a bright colored tape along the edge of a canvas to
reinforce visually were the canvas edge ends. Teachers may increase the contrast
on the painting surface by adding a backlight to support visual attention. Some
students may benefit from choosing a high-contrast (colors with a significant
difference such as dark blue and bright yellow) or bright color (such as florescent
colors) palette for painting. This may allow the student to be more independent in
color selection. By enhancing contrast, students can be more independent at
identifying where they are painting within the intended area of a canvas, the colors
they are choosing, and the supports may create greater spatial awareness on the
canvas for mark-making.
Strategy 2: Trays or Tape Borders
Another way to support independence during painting is to provide tools that
help students to identify the borders of their painting surface. A painting substrate
such as a paper or a canvas can be placed in a tray to easily indicate a tactile border
for the student. Trays can help make sure that student's artworks remain in a
contained space while working, which can ensure the student's canvas does not get
lost and contains any mess that may occur. When painting on paper, teachers may
choose to tape the edges of the paper to the table before beginning a lesson. The
