Dash Owl

This project is a spin-off of the pointalism lessons.  The objecct is drawn in pencil and outlined in marker 'dashes'.  No continous straight lines are used.  Mixing colors or layering lighter colors is suggested.  Pencil marks are eraced after the drawing is completed.

March of the Penguins

I let the students study photos of real penguins before starting. 

Still Life Drawings

This is a traditional still life drawing, but I teach it with a twist.  I start out with only one piece of fruit, let the students draw it, then I add another.   This simplifies the arrangement and lets them focus on one object.  I ask lots of questions about the objects so the students will begin to look harder and make connections between objects.  "Do you see the triangle of space between the birds nest and the banana?"   "Is the candle one apple wide?"

To start drawing, we simplify each element.  For example, the candle becomes a simple cylinder, the apples become circles.  Only when every element is in the correct place and is the correct size do we add the details.  (the pinecone is really that large) 

This is a strenuous exersize and is usually the only time these young students have done a dry still life.  They are always amazed with their results. 

Day at the Beach

During summer art classes last year, we made believe we owned a restaurant 'down the shore'.  I asked them what is their favorite restaurant and what they liked to eat there.  After brainstorming, they were to make a poster or menu of the resturant to advertise.  We made sure that the poster/menu had all beach items and food items drawn to look yummy! Fake phone numbers, web addressses, and street addresses were added.  I had to spell some hard words to some of the younger students; I didn't want them to stress over spelling. 

Winter Cardinals

The bottom artist a 3rd grader; the top artist is in Kindergarten, so this lesson is great for all ages and talents.

This project is great for the winter! I give the students a funny shaped template that is just the outline of the bird. Most students don't know what the shape is. I have them draw the side wing, tail, and legs. The branch is added with pencil and the berries and leaves were the students ideas. The sky and bird can be colored with colored pencil or crayon, making sure to press hard when coloring the branch. I usually give students inspiration in the form of printed images of cardinals and branches.

Do the Gelly Roll

I love this project!  This project is a large size 'doodle' on black paper using metallic 'Gelly-Roll' markers (available at scrapbooking stores and Michaels).  High quality black paper works the best with the roll markers.  Black construction paper is too textured and is not acid free. I usually give an assignment as an ideas starter, for example, a pet or flower to start.  The students are to 'doodle' in the background of the initial drawing, using repeating patterns and connecting objects.  These markers have to be held at a 90 angle, and can be tricky for beginners.

Hand Drawings

This hand drawing project I use as a first project and to get to know new students. Hands are very personal and this is an easy talk-while-you-work project. I either trace students hands with a pencil, or have them do their own.   Students are to use pencil to cover the inside of the palm and fingers with a repeated design or many repeated designs.  We discuss repeating patterns and designs and look for them in clothing, wallpaper, and in the classroom.  I usually give ideas to students and this pattern sheet is great for inspiration.  Final work can be colored pencil or marker. I usually date the back of the works because the hand tracing can be a momento.


This very talented student loves to draw from life, especially Littlest Pet Shop toys. His favorite color is red. He wants to draw a black panther during next class.