Current Lessons
Scroll to see the most recent 3 weeks of lessons in our 3 grade-level groups
Grades 1 & 2
Next Lesson is below.
3. Balloons and Shadows – KidsART A
AUG 31 – SEPT 4 • Balloons and clouds are used to teach shadows and highlights. First, the balloon pictures are painted with the “local color”, bright red. Then a darker red is added for a shadow on one side. A highlight is observed on a real balloon, so students can use real life to improve their artwork and make a highlight. Sponges are used to make clouds and cloud shadows in the background.
Grades 3 - 5
Next Lesson is below.
3. Design & Draw – Foundations A
AUG 31 – SEPT 4 • In the first half of the lesson, students will finish the collage begun last week. They try several design ideas, which connects experimentation in composition with quick thumbnails using only big shapes. The second part is all about using Big Shapes and guidelines, but in the context of an artists’ choice pencil drawing, working from specialized reference of animal photos.
Grades 6 - 12
Next Lesson is below.
3. Design & Draw – Foundations A+
AUG 31 – SEPT 4 • In the first half of the lesson, students will finish the collage begun last week. They try several design ideas, which connects experimentation in composition with quick thumbnails using only big shapes. The second part is all about using Big Shapes and guidelines, but in the context of an artists’ choice pencil drawing, working from specialized reference of animal photos.
Grades 1 & 2
Previous 2 Weeks Below
2. Scotty Dog – KidsART A
AUG 24 – 28 • Introduction to the idea of lines as edges, and oil pastel technique with mixing & blending. Students use a photo of a scotty dog bas-relief sculpture for reference, but it’s turned upside down. This allows it to be drawn more accurately because it’s hard for the mind to interpret. Instead of using known assumptions about what you’re seeing, your eyes have to look more closely.
1. Veggie Prints – KidsART
AUG 17 – 21 • Students create 2 fun art projects that also reinforce important artistic insights: 1) veggie stamp paintings & 2) paper flag design. The stamping is fun and introduces pattern and color schemes. The paper flag design helps the student think about big shapes – the 2nd step in the 3 steps to accuracy.
Grades 1 & 2
Grades 3 - 5
Previous 2 Weeks Below
2. Color Crazed Cutouts – Foundations A
AUG 24 – 28 • Artists are introduced to The Art Instructor Color palette and the basics of paint mixing. Then they begin the first week of a 2-week fun color collage project using a 3-color scheme and cut shapes similar to Matisse cutouts. It’s a great way to get into paint for the first time or after a long break. The work is finished next week.
1. Ink Animals – Foundations A
AUG 17 – 21 • Students will learn how to create ink work with a dipping ink pen & metal nib. Animal photos are provided for reference, and the interior will be filled with expressive patterns, commonly called zen tangles. Creations students (advanced) will move more quickly into choosing subjects and doing special ink artwork. Classroom rules are introduced.
Grades 3 - 5
Grades 6 - 12
Previous 2 Weeks Below
2. Color Crazed Cutouts – Foundations A+
AUG 24 – 28 • Artists are introduced to The Art Instructor Color palette and the basics of paint mixing. Then they begin the first week of a 2-week fun color collage project using a 3-color scheme and cut shapes similar to Matisse cutouts. It’s a great way to get into paint for the first time or after a long break. The work is finished next week.
1. Ink Animals – Foundations A+
AUG 17 – 21 • Students will learn how to create ink work with a dipping ink pen & metal nib. Animal photos are provided for reference, and the interior will be filled with expressive patterns, commonly called zen tangles. Creations students (advanced) will move more quickly into choosing subjects and doing special artwork. Classroom rules are introduced.