Polar Bear, Polar Bear!

 Using chalk pastels on light blue construction paper, the child can create an portrait of this Arctic inhabitant.  This is a wonderful lesson for the winter and can tie into discussions of winter and the poles.  Be sure to explain the simples shapes that are used to create the parts of the polar bear as you create an example for the child. 

Vocabulary to Introduce:
geometric shapes (oval, circle, triangle, square)
chalk pastel

Materials:

-chalk pastels or chalk in various colors

-black construction paper

-aerosol hairspray or fixative

Preparation:

 As chalk pastels are messy be sure to cover the tables.  Place one sheet of light blue construction paper at every child's seat with chalk pastels between students.  When the students are finished with their art, spray the picture with hairspray or a fixative to set the pastel.  Do this in a well ventilated area or outside if possible.

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process:

Night Landscape

The following lesson is a chalk pastel lesson that can be used to explain the elements of a landscape.  When using a fixative or hairspray to set the picture be sure to spray in a well ventilated area if not outside.. 

Vocabulary to Introduce:
landscape
chalk pastel

Materials:

-dark textured paper

-chalk pastels

-fixative or hairspray

Preparation:

Due to the messy nature of chalk pastels you may want to have baby wipes or wet paper towels on hand to clean up hands immediately.

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process:



"The Little Owl" Drawing Lesson

Albrecht Durer was a German painter and printmaker who is considered one of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance.  This drawing lesson is inspired by his nature studies and in particular "The Little Owl."  It is important the students be able to draw basic shapes on their own to be able to create this picture (four years and older is suggested).

Vocabulary to Introduce:
geometric shapes (circle, oval, traingle, etc)
nature studies
Northern Renaissance

Materials:

-textured paper

-oil pastel

Note:

For younger children the lesson should focus not on the realism of the picture but making them aware of the combination of simple shapes that can be used to create a bird.  

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process: