This Valentine Op-Art lesson was inspired by the art of British artist Bridget Riley. I knew that the boys in my 5th grade class were not going to go for the traditional valentine project this year, so adding a heart to an Op-Art hand drawing seemed like the perfect compromise! I've done this project a few times now, and some of my 5th, 6th and 7th graders have … [Read more...]
Self-Portraits for the 100th Day of School
Celebrate the 100th Day of School with this fun project for Kindergarten! Have kids draw what they look like today and what they think they'll look like in 100 years. As you can see, the results will be charming! Even if your 100th Day of School has already passed, this is a fun project to do anytime. Kids will need: 12" x 18" white construction paperSmall, handheld … [Read more...]
Crayon Resist Snowflakes with Watercolor
One of the many fun ways to combine art and science is by making crayon resist snowflakes with watercolor. Students as young as kindergarten love learning how to draw snowflakes. And it's even more fun when you draw them with a white crayon so they magically appear when painted over with watercolor! Before you draw or paint... Begin this lesson by sharing some … [Read more...]
Abstract Art Project Inspired by Joan Miró
Kids of all ages enjoy art history when you teach it through projects inspired by the work of famous artists. Abstract art is especially fun for kids because it removes the pressure that can come with trying to achieve "realism". This project is inspired by the Surrealist movement and the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Joan (pronounced "Djo-ahn") Miró was a painter, … [Read more...]
Oil Pastel Flowers Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe
Elementary students are sure to feel successful with this Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired art project. This lesson is ideal for grades 3-5, although you can adapt it up or down depending on your needs. Oil pastels are the key to achieving this rich and expressive, painterly effect... and kids love using them. They are vivid and bright, easy to work with and yield stunning … [Read more...]
5 Fun Art Ideas with Pencil and Paper
If you're looking for alternatives to screentime for your kids, nothing beats going "old school" with a pencil and paper! It's amazing how much fun can be had with such simple supplies. What you'll need All you need is a pencil, some paper, a flat surface to draw on, and my free download, "5 FUN Art Activities Kids Can Do with a Pencil & Paper". An eraser can also be … [Read more...]
The Stocking Stuffer for Artists
I recently discovered a handy pocket-size tool that would make the perfect stocking stuffer for any aspiring artist... It's called a "ViewCatcher". At first glance, you might assume it's just a viewfinder, but it's actually much more than just that! What the ViewCatcher does Like any good viewfinder, the ViewCatcher will help you create a strong composition. When … [Read more...]
The Surprising Truth About Teaching Drawing to Kids
Why teach drawing to kids? When you teach drawing to kids, you're giving them a skill that pays big dividends in today’s world. Drawing is the foundation for many forms of art. But you certainly don’t need to be an “artist” or work in an art-related career to benefit from drawing. Anyone can use drawing to explore an idea, solve a problem, give visual form to a mental … [Read more...]
Break an Art World Record
You can be part of an exciting World Record event, right from your own home! Make art and break a record - all while helping people affected by COVID-19. British author and illustrator Rob Biddulph (together with Art World Records) is attempting to break the record for the World's Largest Online Art Lesson on Thursday, May 21st, 2020 (4pm BST, 11am EDT, 8am PDT). But this … [Read more...]
Find Your Best Composition With a Viewfinder
How do you choose what to paint or draw when there are so many choices in front of you? Whether your subject is a landscape, still life, or portrait, arranging your composition can be challenging when your options feel limitless. A viewfinder can help you select your best option. A viewfinder is a simple tool you can make yourself with strips of cardboard or popsicle … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 12
- Next Page »