Elementary

Artwork by London, grade four.

The Essential Question
What is observational drawing?

Objective
Students will create a still-life drawing of fruit(s) using an interesting compositional layout.

Materials
sketchbooks, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, water cups, pencils, various fruits (or reference photos), examples of still-life compositions featuring fruit, colored pencils (optional)

Procedures
1. Show students various still-life compositions featuring fruit. As a class, discuss the properties of a good compositional design.
2. Place a variety of fruit on each desk or group of tables. Ask students to arrange the fruit to create an interesting composition.
3. Students create thumbnail sketches of three different arrangements using the fruit provided, focusing on texture and detail.
4. Students take suggestions from peers as needed before transferring their design onto their final paper.
5. Students illustrate their final composition in pencil. Ask them to focus on drawing their fruit as realistically as possible. After completion of their pencil drawing, students add color to their design using watercolors. Students can use colored pencils for additional details once the paint dries.
6. Students have a gallery walk to view peersʼ work and provide feedback on their designs.

Assessment
Students write an artist statement, reflecting on their piece and their process of creating.

Leigh Drake is an art teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.