Autumn Leaves and a Van Gogh Sky

This is a great lesson for teaching observational drawing, color contrast, watercolor techniques and art history. And the best part: almost all students succeeded  in creating a beautiful painting! 

I taught this lesson to first through third grades. We began by completing observational drawings of leaves. These were then outlined with a black glue(Elmer's glue mixed with black tempera paint). During the next class, we painted in the leaves with warm colors. I showed students how to blend the watercolor paints to create intermediate colors. For the final class, students learned about Starry Night and created lines in the background that demonstrated movement. We also discussed how cool colors are opposite warm colors on the color wheel and how placing them next to each other creates contrast. 

This is a great seasonal project that introduces so many important design principles in an easy and fun way!

Van Gogh Sunflowers

Students in PreKinder and Kinder created these artworks after learning about Vincent Van Gogh. We began by painting in the background with a variety of warm colors. I taught the students about color mixing so we got to see first hand how yellow and red can make orange. During the next class, we read Camille and the Sunflowers and talked about Vincent Van Gogh. Students then used brown and green construction paper to create the flowers and stems. Students then used yellow triangles to finish off the sunflowers. Van Gogh projects are always loved by students because he was so interesting and his colors were so alive and vibrant!

Autumn Leaves in a Van Gogh Sky

This is a great lesson for teaching observational drawing, color contrast, watercolor techniques and art history. And the best part: almost all students succeeded  in creating a beautiful painting! 

I taught this lesson to first through third grades. We began by completing observational drawings of leaves. These were then outlined with a black glue(Elmer's glue mixed with black tempera paint). During the next class, we painted in the leaves with warm colors. I showed students how to blend the watercolor paints to create intermediate colors. For the final class, students learned about Starry Night and created lines in the background that demonstrated movement. We also discussed how cool colors are opposite warm colors on the color wheel and how placing them next to each other creates contrast. 

This is a great seasonal project that introduces so many important design principles in an easy and fun way!

Vincent Van Goghs Sunflowers

Students in PreKinder and Kinder created these artworks after learning about Vincent Van Gogh. We began by using tissue paper in oranges, reds and yellows and gluing them onto a square white paper. The students got to see first hand how yellow and red can make orange. During the next class, we read Camille and the Sunflowers and talked about Vincent Van Gogh. Students then used brown and green construction paper to create the flowers and stems. Students then used yellow triangles to finish off the sunflowers. Van Gogh projects are always loved by students because he was so interesting and his colors were so alive and vibrant!

Starry Night Leaves

Students in PreK and Kinder created these fun autumn paintings. We began by doing leaf rubbings with crayons on a large white paper. I also showed the students how to do a rubbing with multiple colors. These were then painted around with blue paint to give the illusion that they are falling from the trees. During the final class, students learned about Vincent van Gogh and the painting Starry Night. Students added swirling lines to create a fun sense of movement.

Winter Trees

Students in PreK and Kinder created these dynamic Vincent van Gogh inspired winter trees. We began by learning about Starry Night and creating curved lines to create a moving sky. Students then mixed different shades and tints of green and used these for the trees. This project taught students about the art elements line, shape and color as well as the principal of movement.

Sunflowers in SchoolArts

The February issue of SchoolArts magazine is out and features my ClipCard for the PreK/Kinder project Sunflowers. This is a great project to introduce students to the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh and ties in nicely with the science curriculum.

View an online version of the magazine or order copies here: http://www.davisart.com/portal/schoolarts/sadefault.aspx

Van Gogh Sunflowers

Students in PreKinder and Kinder created these artworks after learning about Vincent Van Gogh. We began by creating a watercolor painting for the background. Students drew several curvy lines with a crayon, then painted the sections in with whatever colors they wanted. During the next class, we read Camille and the Sunflowers and talked about Vincent Van Gogh. Students then used brown and green construction paper to create the flowers and stems. Students then used yellow triangles to finish off the sunflowers. Van Gogh projects are always loved by students because he was so interesting and his colors were so alive and vibrant!