Elementary

The Essential Question
How can we combine patterns within an organic shape?

Objective
Students will explore line, pattern, and color while using a variety of media to draw and paint leaves.

Materials

• 9 x 12" (23 x 30 cm) mixed-media paper
• watercolor paint
• paintbrushes and water cups
• pencils
• ultrafine black permanent markers
• black oil pastels
  
  

Step 1
Ask students to observe real or photographed examples of different types of leaves. Then have them sketch one or more large leaf shapes on their paper in pencil.

Step 2
Students will then draw repeating patterns inside the leaves, making sure not to repeat the same pattern within a single leaf.

Step 3
Students trace over their pencil patterns using ultrafine black permanent markers and erase any pencil lines.

Step 4
Using a black oil pastel, students trace a round the outer edge of each leaf, creating a barrier for the watercolor (see step five).

Step 5
Students paint the background outside the leaves using either warm or cool colors.

Assessment
Did students follow all directions and create patterned designs? Did they use a variety of patterns and avoid repetition within the same leaf?

Colleen Lam is an visual arts teacher at Edgewater Elementary School in Edgewater, Colorado.