Captivating Pumpkin Art: Unleash Your Students' Creativity with Beatriz Milhazes-inspired Elementary Art Lessons

 Students will learn about the Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes, her use of bright colors, geometric patterns, and floral motifs, and apply these elements to create their own pumpkin drawings.

Materials:

• White drawing paper (8.5" x 11" or larger)

• Pencils and erasers

• Black markers or crayons

• Brightly colored markers, crayons, or watercolor paints

• Circular stencils or various-sized lids for tracing circles (optional)

• Reference images of Beatriz Milhazes' work (optional)

  
  

  1. Introduce Beatriz Milhazes:

     • Show examples of her vibrant, geometric, and floral works.

     • Discuss her style, focusing on her bold use of colors and patterns.

  2. Show Examples:

     • Display a few pieces by Milhazes and highlight the key elements: bright colors, overlapping shapes, floral patterns, and a sense of rhythm and movement.

  Activity Steps (30-35 mins):

  1. Draw the Pumpkin Shape:

     • Start by drawing a large, simple pumpkin shape in the center of the paper using a pencil.

     • Encourage the students to make their pumpkin big to fill most of the paper.

       
       

       1. Divide with Geometric Patterns:

          • Using circular stencils or lids, draw different-sized circles within the pumpkin shape to create sections.

          • Add other geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and wavy lines in some sections.

       2. Outline with Black:

          • Trace over all the pencil lines with black markers or crayons to create bold outlines.

       3. Decorate with Patterns:

          • Inside each geometric section, draw floral motifs, stripes, or any decorative patterns inspired by Milhazes’ work.Encourage students to use their creativity to fill each section with different designs.

            1. Color the Sections:

               • Use bright, contrasting colors to fill in the geometric sections and patterns.

               • Make sure to use a variety of colors to make the pumpkin vibrant and dynamic.

            2. Add a Background:

               • Draw and color simple geometric or floral patterns in the background to complement the pumpkin.

               • This will enhance the overall look and feel of the artwork, making it cohesive and lively.

            Conclusion (5 mins):

            • Display the completed Milhazes-inspired pumpkins around the room.

            • Have a quick discussion about how students felt using bright colors and patterns.

            • Encourage students to share what they enjoyed the most about combining Milhazes’ style with their pumpkin drawings.

            Reflection:

            • Ask students what they found easy or challenging about this activity.

            • Talk about how art from different cultures can inspire new and exciting creations.

Art Lesson Plan - How to Draw a Desert Landscape

The Perfect Art Sub Plan for Desert Landscapes

Are you an art teacher in need of a reliable sub plan that anyone can teach? Look no further! This lesson plan is perfect for those days when you need a break or have an unexpected absence. It’s also ideal if your students are learning about the desert, cacti, landforms, or the western United States.

Why This Lesson Plan is a Must-Have

Engaging and Educational: Students will learn about visual perspective and use it to create their own desert landscapes. This lesson not only teaches art techniques but also integrates geography and environmental studies, making it a cross-curricular gem.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The lesson is complete with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions and visuals. Whether you’re an art teacher, a classroom teacher, or a substitute, you’ll find this plan straightforward and effective.

No Prep Needed: All you need are simple materials: copy paper, crayons, and pencils. This makes it incredibly convenient to keep in your Emergency Sub Folder. No need for special supplies or extensive preparation.

What Students Will Learn

This lesson explains several ways that artists depict depth, such as overlapping, size variation, and placement on the page. Students will use these techniques to create their own vibrant desert landscapes, complete with traditional desert buildings, cacti, and other elements.

Flexible Presentation

The lesson can be presented as a projected PowerPoint or a printed PDF shown close up. All the sub or teacher has to do is read the slides or pages and follow the directions. This 18-page lesson is designed to be completed in one 30 to 55-minute class, though some teachers prefer to extend it. If time is short, the coloring portion can be done another day or omitted altogether.

Perfect for Any Situation

This activity is perfect for short or long-term absences and maternity leave. The PowerPoint or PDF lesson plan can be printed out and handed to a substitute teacher. You can even email it from home if needed! It also works great for distance learning on platforms like Google Meet or Zoom.

Versatile and Easy to Teach

Written specifically for substitutes, this lesson can also be taught by classroom teachers, art teachers, and homeschool teachers. It’s a versatile and easy-to-teach plan that ensures your students stay engaged and productive, even in your absence.

Don’t let an unexpected absence disrupt your students’ learning. Keep this lesson plan in your Emergency Sub Folder and rest easy knowing your students will have a fun, educational, and creative experience. 

You may find the lesson, "Desert Landscape Drawing," here, in my TpT shop.

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Update

I just created another desert cactus Art lesson. The first part of the lesson directs Kindergarteners and first graders how to draw a patterned, potted cactus. Second, third and fourth graders do the first part of the lesson too, but then they add on a desert landscape to the background. 2 art sub lessons for the price of 1!

Potted Cactus w Desert Landscape