Elementary

Artwork by Shruthi, grade five.

The Essential Questions
What is repetition? What is the importance of repetition in an artwork?

Objective
Students will draw a still life of pumpkins using the design principle of repetition to create an interesting composition.

Materials
sketchbooks, watercolor supplies, pencils, small pumpkins or reference photos of pumpkins

Procedures
1. Show students images of fall-inspired still lifes. Next, provide small pumpkins (or photos) for each student. Students examine the pumpkins and arrange them to show an interesting composition. As a class, discuss the design principle of repetition and what it might look like in an artwork. Students discuss how they can incorporate repetition into their still-life composition.
2. Students draw three different layouts of pumpkins in their sketchbooks, focusing on details and texture.
3. Students take suggestions from peers as needed before converting their designs to their final paper.
4. Students use pencil to illustrate their final design. Ask them to fill the entire page and to draw their pumpkins as realistically as possible.
5. Students color their design with watercolor materials. They can also add to their designs with colored pencil once the watercolor paint has dried.
6. Students have a gallery walk to view peersʼ work and provide feedback.

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

Leigh Drake is the visual fine arts instructional specialist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.