Bold and vibrant composition from our leaf printing exploration.

Julia L. Hovanec

After sharing the picture book The Tree in Me, written and illustrated by Corinna Luyken (Rocky Pond Books, 2021), I introduce students to the work of artist Bryan Nash Gill, who created beautiful large prints of tree trunk cross sections. Students then print with leaves to create a work of art inspired by the book and the artist.

This lesson teaches students about how people have a deep connection to the natural world and that all living things are connected. These concepts are important for young learners as students will come to realize that we receive gifts from our community and from the natural world, and it is important to appreciate these gifts and, in turn, give back whenever possible.

Inquiry-Based Learning
Ask students: “What do you know about trees? Did you know that you can make art by printing with the parts of a tree?” Then tell them, “Today, we are going to read a book about trees and learn about an artist who creates beautiful large prints of cross sections of tree trunks. After that, we are going to print with leaves to make a work of art.”

This lesson teaches students about how people have a deep connection to the natural world and that all living things are connected.

Reading The Tree in Me
Before reading the book, task students with taking notice of all the ways they are connected to trees as they listen. Read the book and guide learners in a discussion. Ask: “What did you learn about trees? How are we all connected to the trees?”

Introduce students to the work of artist Bryan Nash Gill. Share some of his prints and talk about the way he created these prints and why he made this kind of art. “What do you think of his work? Do you think you can print with leaves?”

Objectives

• Students will identify the work of artist Bryan Nash Gill by engaging in a discussion about his prints.
• Students will define printing as an artistic process in which images are transferred from one surface to another.
• Students will learn that every living thing is connected and that they have a strong connection to trees.
• Students will print with leaves to create a work of art.

Bold and vibrant composition from our leaf printing exploration.

Printing with Leaves
Give each student a collection of leaves, a paper plate with various dots of tempera paint on it, paintbrushes, a sheet of 9 x 12" (23 x 30 cm) paper with their name on it, and a paper towel.

Explain what printing is and how artists create prints, then lead students through a demonstration of how to print with leaves. Teach them to paint their colors on the leaf, then press it against the paper, rub it, and reveal the print. Remind students that they can create any kind of design. Advise them to overlap parts of their composition and to keep one paintbrush for each color they use.
After the demonstration, invite students to use what they learned to create the leaf print. Assist students individually as needed. When the prints are complete, ask students to share a way they are connected to trees. Afterwards, have students assist with cleanup as directed.

Julia L. Hovanec is an associate professor of art education at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. hovanec@kutztown.edu
The Tree in Me and You