Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Kindergarten Pumpkin Inspired by Piet Mondrian

 Halloween Art Lesson Plan



Perfect for spooky season! Let's jazz this up with some Mondrian flair. Here's a fun lesson for kindergarten:

Lesson Title: "Mondrian Pumpkins"

Objective:

Students will learn about the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, his use of geometric shapes and primary colors, 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

  • Primary color markers, crayons, or watercolor paints (red, blue, yellow)

  • Rulers

Introduction (10 mins):

  1. Briefly introduce Piet Mondrian, highlighting his most famous works.

  2. Show examples of his art, focusing on "Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow."

  3. Discuss how Mondrian used simple lines and primary colors to create complex, balanced compositions.

Activity Steps (30 mins):

  1. Draw the Pumpkin Shape:

    • Have the students lightly draw a large pumpkin shape in the center of their paper using a pencil.

    • Encourage them to make their pumpkin big and take up most of the paper.

  2. Divide with Lines:

    • Using a ruler and pencil, ask the students to divide their pumpkin into sections with horizontal and vertical lines, reminiscent of Mondrian's style.

    • Some sections should be big, others small; the goal is variety, not uniformity.

  3. Outline with Black:

    • Trace over the pencil lines with a black marker or crayon to make bold, thick lines.

    • Ensure every section is neatly outlined for the Mondrian effect.

  4. Color the Sections:

    • Fill in the sections with primary colors (red, blue, yellow).

    • Some sections can remain white, just like in Mondrian's works.

    • Encourage neat coloring or painting within the lines.

  5. Add Finishing Touches:

    • If there's time, students can add a background or a stem, but it should still reflect Mondrian’s geometric and minimalistic style.

Conclusion (5 mins):

  • Display the completed Mondrian Pumpkins around the room.

  • Have a quick discussion about how using simple lines and colors can create interesting art.

  • Encourage students to share what they enjoyed about combining Mondrian’s style with their pumpkin drawings.

Reflection:

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

  • Talk about how art can inspire and be interpreted in different ways.

Voila! You've got a perfect blend of abstract art and autumn vibes.  


šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ

If you need an emergency art sub lesson that is ready to print and hand to a sub, these might be just what you need. Save yourself hours of time writing sub plans when you least feel like it.

Draw a Haunted House or Doodle Monsters at Halloween


Drawing for an art sub lesson on doodle monsters at Halloween



Monday, October 7, 2024

Jen Stark Inspired Pumpkin Drawing - Lesson Plan - Halloween

Jen Stark Inspired Pumpkins



 Alright, let's blend some autumnal vibes with a bit of psychedelic flair! Here's a step-by-step lesson plan for creating a Jen Stark-inspired pumpkin drawing:


Lesson Plan: Drawing a Pumpkin with a Jen Stark Influence


**Objective**: Students will create a pumpkin drawing inspired by the vibrant, intricate style of contemporary artist Jen Stark.

**Materials**:

- Drawing paper (9x12 inches or larger)

- Pencils and erasers

- Fine-tip black markers or pens

- Colored pencils, markers, or gel pens

- Rulers and compasses (optional for precise geometric patterns)


**Introduction (10 minutes)**:

1. Briefly introduce students to Jen Stark, showing examples of her work. Emphasize her use of bright colors, layered patterns, and organic shapes.

2. Discuss how Stark's style can be applied to create a unique and eye-catching pumpkin drawing.


**Step-by-Step Instructions (45 minutes)**:


1. **Sketch the Pumpkin** (10 minutes):

   - Lightly draw the basic outline of a pumpkin. Start with a large oval shape and add curved lines to create the sections of the pumpkin.

   - Add a stem on top and any other basic features you want, like vines or leaves.


2. **Add Patterns and Designs** (15 minutes):

   - Using fine-tip black markers or pens, divide the pumpkin sections into smaller shapes and patterns. Think about Jen Stark's use of concentric lines, wavy patterns, and geometric shapes.

   - Experiment with different patterns in each section to create a varied and dynamic design.


3. **Add Color** (20 minutes):

   - Using colored pencils, markers, or gel pens, fill in the patterns with vibrant colors. Encourage students to use a wide range of colors and to blend them creatively.

   - Remind students to think about Stark's use of contrast and color harmony.


**Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)**:

1. Allow students to share their finished drawings with the class.

2. Discuss how they incorporated Jen Stark's style into their pumpkin drawings.

3. Reflect on what they enjoyed about the process and what they found challenging.


Assessment:

- Evaluate students based on their creativity, effort, and how well they incorporated elements of Jen Stark's style into their pumpkin drawings.


Extensions:

- Create a series of drawings inspired by other seasonal items (like leaves or acorns) using the same techniques.

- Experiment with different media, such as watercolor or digital art programs, to create similar designs.


Remember, the key is to have fun and embrace the vibrant, psychedelic spirit of Jen Stark's art! šŸ‚šŸŽƒ

šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ šŸŽƒ

If you need an art sub lesson that is ready to print and hand to a sub, these might be just what you need:

Draw a Haunted House or Doodle Monsters at Halloween


Drawing for an art sub lesson on doodle monsters at Halloween





Jen Stark Inspired Pumpkin Drawing for High School

 

High School Pumpkin Drawing

Here’s an idea I hadn’t seen before. 

This photo is from misty.ann.637 on Instagram. She was inspired to have her students draw this based on the idea from artist, Jen Stark. 











I looked around for instructions for this lesson and found a video for the pumpkin part.

“Drippy Pumpkin Inspired by Jen Stark”
2:12 minutes


  

This paired with some background on Jen Stark’s art, could make for a nice art sub plan. If you need an art sub lesson right now, I have a shop full of them. They are all fully scripted; full of visuals; and ready to hand to a sub. You can check out my shop here:  Art Sub Lesson TPT Shop










Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Easy Color Theory Art Lesson

Color Theory in a Fun Art Lesson



In this blog post by Laura Spector, Art Lessons for Kids: Color Theory Made Easy, there's everything a sub needs to teach this easy art lesson.

The concepts taught in this lesson are primary colors, complementary colors, warm colors, cool colors, complementary colors, pop art and shadows. Surprisingly, this lesson, that hits on so many ideas, is relatively easy for students to do. 

You can check this lesson out at Hub Pages. 

If you are interested in more op art posts in this blog, check out these:



Stacked Shapes: Op Art - Middle School



If you are interested in fully formed lessons, complete with scripts and visuals, check out this one in my TpT Shop: Art Sub Lessons.


Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Fun and Easy Early Finisher Lessons for Halloween | Art Sub Lessons



Celebrate Halloween and DĆ­a de los Muertos with Engaging Art Activities!

Engage your students with fun Halloween-themed art lessons. Explore sugar skulls, sombreros, and piƱatas using crayons. Templates and visuals included!

Are you looking for a creative and educational way to celebrate Halloween and DĆ­a de los Muertos with your students? Look no further! This TeachersPayTeachers  resource, from Centers and Early Finishers, offers a collection of three exciting art activities perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month.

This would be a good addition to your sub binder. Since it  is ready to be taught and uses simple materials, it works well for an emergency sub plan.

What’s Included?

This comprehensive resource includes everything you need to guide your students through fun and culturally enriching art projects. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

  • 1 page of directions outlining various ways to use this product.
  • 1 editable sheet of directions for substitute teachers or classroom use, ensuring a seamless lesson plan.
  • 3 sheets with photos of iconic Mexican symbols: a Calavera (sugar skull), a piƱata, and a sombrero, along with descriptions of their cultural significance.
  • 3 sheets of editable directions for center activities, detailing what students need to do for each project.
  • 3 sheets of templates for each picture (sugar skull, piƱata, and sombrero), ready for students to add their own patterns and colors.
  • 6 sheets of finished artwork examples to inspire your students.
  • 1 sheet of sample designs from Mexican folk art.
  • 1 sheet of sample patterns to help students get started.
  • 2 formats included in the file: .pdf and .pptx

Why You’ll Love This Resource

These activities are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing students to explore Mexican culture while expressing their creativity. Whether you’re focusing on Halloween or DĆ­a de los Muertos, these projects are a fantastic way to bring cultural awareness into your classroom.

Supplies Needed: Pens, crayons, or markers.

Versatile and Easy to Use

One of the best features of this resource is its versatility. It can be used in various educational settings and adapted to fit your specific needs. The editable directions make it easy for substitute teachers to step in and deliver a seamless lesson, while the center activity sheets provide clear instructions for students working independently.



What Teachers Are Saying

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what one satisfied buyer had to say:

“Great resource for our Hispanic Heritage thematic unit. I just needed the sombrero pictures but ended up using all of it!”

This feedback highlights the flexibility and value of this resource, making it a must-have for any classroom celebrating Hispanic Heritage, Halloween, or DĆ­a de los Muertos.

Get Started Today!

Bring the vibrant traditions of Mexican culture into your classroom with these engaging art activities. Your students will love the opportunity to create their own colorful Calaveras, piƱatas, and sombreros while learning about the rich cultural heritage behind these symbols.

Head over to TeachersPayTeachers now to download this fantastic resource and start planning your next art lesson!

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Optical Illusion Lesson

Art Lesson with Simple Materials


I have seen this lesson before but didn't know that it would be one for fifth graders.  

Here, Mrs. Fillmore, shows you step by step how to create this optical illusion drawing. And not only that, students learn about the artists, Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley, in the process.

Her students took 5 sessions of 40 minute classes to complete this. I'm thinking that not just any sub could teach this well, but if you know your sub has the skills, this might be the lesson for you.

If you need a lesson that uses simple materials and has all the visuals you need, check out the blog post by Art by Mrs. Fillmore.


Tuesday, September 3, 2024

STEAM Sub Plan - Symmetry in Nature: Bugs Edition

Exploring Symmetry Through Creative Insect Drawings


This lesson, from Cool Classroom Stuff, is both versatile and engaging. It may be used as a STEAM activity; art sub lesson; or learning center activity. 

Symmetry in Nature: Bug Edition

Students look at illustrations of symmetrical insects from art history as the teacher reads the script. Examples of student work and templates of bug shapes are provided. Print out the templates you wish to use, along with simple materials, and you have it covered.



This lesson plan is fully scripted, making it easy to implement in any setting.  Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a substitute, you'll find this lesson plan straightforward and effective.


This lesson plan is not just about drawing; it's about understanding the beauty and importance of symmetry in both nature and art.  By engaging in these activities, students will develop their artistic skills, enhance their understanding of symmetry and enjoy a hands-on learning experience.



You can find this lesson at the TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff.





Thursday, August 15, 2024

Elementary Art Sub Plan - Landscapes

Landscapes with Visual Depth

Art sub lessons can be a lifesaver for teachers needing to prepare for their absence. They ensure that students continue to learn and create, even without their regular instructor. 




This no prep lesson will teach the secrets of creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface, all with the simple use of crayons. Watch as landscapes come to life and scenes pop off the page, as young artists learn to layer, shade, and blend colors in fun and easy ways.  


This lesson uses the most simple materials: pencil, paper, and crayon. 

It contains 20 pages, fully scripted so that anyone can teach it. All someone has to do is read the script and show the images.  


Keep your students learning while you are out.

Find this lesson at TeachersPayTeachers shop: Art Sub Lessons.






Saturday, August 3, 2024

Back to School Name Design Lesson

Art Lesson Plan for Back to School

Whether or not you use this as an elementary art sub plan, kids will enjoy drawing this doodle monster name art. They are given 20 pages of visuals and directions for how to draw these fun creatures around their own name.




The name art could be used as portfolio covers or hung as a bulletin board display.

Check out this complete lesson at: TPT Shop: Art Sub Lessons.

Monday, July 22, 2024

30 Minute Art Lesson - Desert Landscape


Art Sub Plan - 30 to 60 Minutes




My initial thought when creating this lesson, was that I would focus on landscape drawing and visual perspective. I also wanted to use a desert theme as this would be a perfect tie in to science lessons on landforms. 

It occurred to me that so many art teachers have been saying lately that their class times are getting shorter and shorter. For a sub, trying to teach a lesson and get art from students in a short art class is not an easy task. They really need a lesson plan that is direct and easy to teach in a limited amount of time. 



In this lesson, I created a scripted series of directed drawings, enabling the sub to have the exact words and visuals. In 30 minutes, the class should be able to learn about visual depth, and sketch a desert landscape with cacti. If the class is longer, or students finish early, they will then color in the picture. 

Here's a sample slide.

This lesson is called, "Art Sub Lessons: Desert Landscape Drawing." Check out this lesson in my TPT shop: Art Sub Lessons.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Neurographic Spring Doodle Drawing

 Spring Flower Doodle as Art Sub Lesson

Neurographic drawings seem to be very popular these days. They can be very calming and satisfying to work on. 




Here is one by the TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff, that uses the theme of spring flowers. It is an easy and fun drawing activity that can be completed with 8 1/2" x 11" white paper and crayons. 

It is a lesson that can be taught by anyone including subs, gen. ed. teachers, art teachers, or parents. The set up is simple and the slides are fully scripted with plenty of visuals.




This lesson includes:

-10 scripted slides that may be projected during a lesson; printed out and shown to students sitting close by; or printed out and made into a center activity.

-Three slides (slides 12 - 14) with examples that may be printed and hung in the room during the lesson

-One sheet with a line drawing (slide 15) that may be printed out and used as a coloring sheet for students needing extra assistance.

The designs may be drawn with regular Sharpies (not fine line) or black crayon. This particular lesson is intended to be colored in with crayon.


You may find this lesson at TpT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff



Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Neurographic Art for Middle and High School

Valentine Neurographic  Art Lesson - Perfect for Subs

I have been intrigued by the neurographic art I have been seeing lately. Looking around for information, I found that the Inside Out Art Teacher has created a video and instructions on how to do it. A sub should be able to handle this one!



Check this out for instructions and video:

No Prep Ready to Go Neurographic Art Lesson

If you would like a lesson plan that is all ready to print out and use, check out this lesson by TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff.  All the things you need to say are there along with visuals.



Their lesson is written with simple supplies in mind; crayons and paper. 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Valentine Radial Symmetry Lesson

Valentine Radial Symmetry Lesson

Creating a design using radial symmetry can feel very satisfying. Radial symmetry is a great crossover concept for the math, art, STEAM, or general classroom.


"Cool Classroom Stuff" has created a lesson on radial symmetry that ties into Valentines Day.

Four drawing templates are provided. Three have heart designs and spacing guidelines to assist the students in starting their designs. One template has spacing guidelines only. This is in case you want the students to create the entire design themselves. There are also two slides with sample drawings.


The lesson requires a simple set up and students may use crayons, markers, pens, or colored pencils.

If you'd like to check out this lesson, visit Cool Classroom Stuff's shop at TpT. The lesson is only $3.00 right now.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Robots in Winter - Art Lesson

 

Robots in Winter 



Here is a fun art lesson plan that you can use as a center activity; art sub lesson; or regular art lesson. The resulting student art would be perfect for hanging on a bulletin board.

Your students use the most simple materials. Crayon, pencil, or marker.

This is an easy lesson to teach and anyone can teach it. Great for when you are in a pinch and need something in a hurry.

This lesson is over at the TPT Shop: Centers and Early Finishers. It's a complete lesson with visuals and is only $3.00.


Elementary art sub plan for robots in winter


Saturday, January 6, 2024

Art Sub Plan - Secret Rooms

Favorite Lesson

I really don't understand it, but kids from elementary to high school, LOVE dreaming about hidden spaces. Whether it is a secret container to hide your money or jewels from robbers to secret rooms in pyramids or mansions, kids seem to love dreaming up secret spaces.



There is an illustration of the hidden space under the Lincoln Memorial in DC at Atlas Obscura.  I have been to the Lincoln Memorial many times and had no idea there was anything beneath the memorial!


         
You can use that illustration and website to inspire a lesson about secret rooms or do an internet search and you can find plenty of examples. 
(Photo is in the Public Domain. National Park Service)

Kids are also intrigued by the pyramids of Egypt and the maps of the inner corridors. Hidden passageways drawings are a great art connection to the study of Ancient Egypt.




Prepared Art Sub Lessons: Secret Rooms/Hidden Passageways                                 

If you don't want to create your own lesson, I have one in my TPT shop you might like. It is complete with  historic references, student samples, and a complete script for what to say to teach the lesson.





Here are some reviews of the lesson.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! " Used in 4th, 5th and 6th grades

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! " Used in 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! "

For less than $5, your sub lesson is completely prepared. Don't waste your time doing more!!!  I have already taken care of that for you. 

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Unique Creature Art Lesson for Subs

 Collaborative Drawings

This post is from 2011 at Briargrove Elementary Art Page. One of the things I love about this lesson is that every drawing is different from every other drawing. Students are inspired to create their own unique creatures. 


Katie Gonzales gives directions for how to teach this lesson. A sub could easily follow along. You can get this lesson here:  http://katieweymouth.blogspot.com/2011/11/first-lesson-of-year-collaborative.html

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Not Your Average Gingerbread Man

  

Art Sub Lesson - Beyond the Gingerbread Man

The other day I wrote about one of my art activities where kids create gingerbread characters or objects that were not gingerbread people. This morning, for fun, I doodled an example for that lesson. Here's a link to that blog post: Art Sub Lesson: Beyond the Gingerbread Man

crayon drawing of a lego reindeer in gingerbread

Doodle Monsters for Winter

 

 Art Sub Lesson - Doodle Monsters 

I’m still playing around with doodling monsters. They’re fun for me to draw and kids seem to have as much fun doodling them as I do. 

Simple Monster Drawing Characters for Winter

Here's a new drawing, that I have added to my art sub lesson. It is doodle monster gingerbread people. One is rather Santa-like. One looks like Mrs. Claus. (Does she have a first name?) There's an elfin one; a kid one; one with a top hat; and a couple with beanies....tuques?...knit caps.



Monster Doodles Worksheet for Early Finishers

I have added a blank template of this drawing to the lesson on TPT in case you want an early finishers coloring activity. It is an add on at the end of the lesson and won’t change the lesson at all. So, if you have already bought this lesson from my TPT shop, you can just download it with changes, for free. (Yippee!) I’ve added this finished drawing to the sample drawings too. 

Click here to see or buy the monster doodle lesson at my Art Sub Lessons shop:  Art Sub Lesson - Doodle Monsters in Winter

More Blog Posts about Doodling Monsters

If you are interested in seeing other blog posts about these doodle monsters, check them out here: