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Spring Projects Art Journal

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

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Spring Projects Art Journal

Uploaded by

Sarah P

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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RECYCLED

ART JOURNAL

Spring
Projects
Art Projects for Kids
Spring Projects

Table of Contents

Atomic Dandelions Bird in a Cage Bumblebee Painting Chagall, Upside Down Hen Collage
pg 5-7 pg 8-11 pg 12-15 pg 16-19 pg 20-23

Hundertwasser Flowers Furry Bunny Little Houses Magritte Eye Mushroom Painting
pg 24-27 pg 28-31 pg 32-35 pg 36-39 pg 40-43

Pattern Flowers Prickly Cactus Running Rabbit Shaded Flowers Splashing Boots
pg 44-47 pg 48-51 pg 52-55 pg 56-59 pg 60-63

Springtime in the City Sunflower, Close Up Umbrella Patterns Watering Can Bouquet Windy Kite Collage
pg 64-67 pg 68-72 pg 72-77 pg 78-81 pg 82-84

1. What is a Recycled Art Journal?

After spending years looking for an easy and inexpensive journal

system for my elementary students, I discovered that half sheets of
drawing paper, punched with two holes on one end, held together by
book rings, made a journal that was very inexpensive and expandable.
It was named for the use of old cardboard for covers.

Here are a few of the reasons why this system worked so well for me:

It saves money. Each journal requires only two book rings per student,
art paper cut in half, a paper cutter, and a two-hole punch. The covers
are free if you recycle by having students bring in old cereal boxes, toy
boxes, etc.

It saves time. No more sorting of artwork. Each student is responsible

for finding their journal and putting away their own art at the end of
each class.

It cuts down on unfinished student work. The 6“ x 9“ paper is much

easier to finish than the usual 9“ x 12“ size, especially for short classes.
Have early finishers? They can easily flip back and work on incomplete
projects.

It helps art get home safely. Single projects that go home in back-
packs often get folded and beat up in the process. This guarantees
some protection for the art until the end of the year.

Parents love them. They can save all their child’s work in one place.

Watching journals grow instilles a sense of pride. Students start to

appreciate that some things take time, like making a large book of
one’s own art. Sometimes good work takes more that just one class.

Cardboard. 6” X 9”. Some options are old cereal

boxes, toy boxes, anything that is clean, large and
,
easy to cut with a paper cutter. Plain cardboard is
good too.

Paper. 6“ X 9”. Easy if you start with 9” x 12” and

then just cut in half.

Paper Cutter. I prefer the old dangerous type with

the arm that comes down, because it works fast and
cuts through even heavy cardboard. The sliding arm
type works too though, especially if you stick to
lighter weight food boxes.

Two-hole Punch. There are many types, all seem to

work well. Mine came from Staples, cost about $15,
and never wore out.

Book Rings. If you just need a few, Staples sells 16 for

$5. If you need bulk, try searching Amazon. I found
boxes of 100 for $10. I recommend the 1.5” size so
your journal has room to grow.

This dandelion drawing offers some math

practice while making lines with repeating
and unifying shapes.

To draw your best radial lines, start by

splitting areas in half, and repeat until you
run out of space.

Begin these dandelions with four (quarter)

lines, then divide into eighths, and
sixteenths, and so on. You’ll get much
better results than just trying to guess how
to space them out.

MATERIALS

• Cardstock paper, Black

• Metallic markers, Prang used for this sample

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a center circle. Draw four radiating lines out to divide into quarters. Add another line in between to
make eighths.

2. Split each space in half again with another line in between each.

3. Split each space in half again with another line in between each.

4. Draw a ball at the end of each line. Add another row of balls.

5. Draw circles inside, using different metallic colors. Finish with a stem.

6. Start another dandelion with the center and repeat steps until your page is full.
Atomic Dandelion Tutorial

1. Start with a center dot. Draw four 2. Split each section in half again 3. Split each section in half again
radiating lines out to divide into with another line. with another line.
quarters. Split each quarter in half to
make eighths.

4. Draw a ball at the end of each line. 5. Draw circles inside, using different 6. Start another dandelion with the
Add another row of balls. metallic colors. Finish with a stem. center and repeat steps until your
page is full.
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Bird in a Cage
Elements of Art: Line, Texture

A watercolor painting with only black lines

sometimes leaves a heavy look. On the
other hand, if you don’t press hard with
crayons, they may not show up at all.

You can add some easy texture and color

to your watercolor paintings, just by
doubling those two supplies.

Start with a black marker, then add a white

crayon line right beside it. Press hard so
you get all that great texture and you’ll
have an extra little “sparkle” show up after
the watercolor is applied.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Black permanent marker, chisel tip

• White crayons

• Watercolor paint, liquid type works best

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw a rectangle near the bottom.

2. Draw an arch, try to make it as symmetrical as possible.

3. Draw a simple bird body inside the cage.

4. Add the face, wing and legs.

5. Draw a small stick under the feet.

6. Start the cage lines as shown, trying to split the sides in half.

7. Add another set of lines inside each.

8. Draw some decorations on the bottom of the cage.

9. Trace all with a black marker. Trace the cage lines with white crayon. Paint with watercolors.
Bird in a Cage Tutorial

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw a 2. Draw an arch, try to make it as 3. Draw a simple bird body inside
rectangle near the bottom. symmetrical as possible. the cage.

4. Add the face, wing and legs. 5. Draw a small stick under the feet. 6. Start the cage lines as shown,
trying to split the sides in half.

7. Add another set of lines inside 8. Draw some decorations on the 9. Trace all with a black marker.
each. bottom of the cage. Trace the cage lines with white
crayon. Paint with watercolor.
Bird in a Cage Line Art

© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Bumblebee Painting
Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Contrast

The simple shapes and colors of bumble-

bees make for a good study in contrast.

This project uses permanent marker for

the black so the yellow will stay nice and
bright.

Use a white crayon for lines in the wings

and you can paint the background color
right over them for a transparent look.
Great for getting some fool-proof colorful
bumblebee paintings by all ages.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Black permanent marker

• Crayons, white

• Liquid watercolor paint

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a large side view bee body in the bottom left corner.

2. Add wings, face, and wings.

3. Add lines inside for stripes.

4. Draw a top view bee in the bottom right corner.

5. Draw another bee above, this time facing the other direction.

6. Finish with a top bee in the top left corner.

7. Trace the drawing with black marker. Fill in the stripes and head with a permanent black marker.

8. Use a white crayon to make lots of small, broken lines inside the wings.

9. Paint the empty bee stripes yellow. Choose a background paint and fill in, even over the wings.
Bumblebee Painting Tutorial

1. Draw a large side view bee body 2. Add wings, face, and wings. 3. Add lines inside for stripes.
in the bottom left corner.

4. Draw a top view bee in the 5. Draw another bee above, this 6. Finish with a top bee in the top
bottom right corner. time facing the other direction. left corner.

7. Trace the drawing with black 8. Use a white crayon to make lots 9. Paint the empty bee stripes
marker. Fill in the stripes and head of small, broken lines inside the yellow. Choose a background paint
with a permanent black marker. wings. and fill in, even over the wings.
Bumblebee Painting Line Art

© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Upside Down Chagall
Elements/Principles: Shape, Proportion

Marc Chagall was a Russian artist who

combined both real and dream worlds,
which was eventually known as Surrealism.

An easy way to get that dreamy feeling in

your own art is to turn your paper while
drawing. Draw a landscape of something
you know, say maybe your school, and have
some elements right side up and some
upside down.

While you are at it, play with the proportion

and make some things extra large and
some things small. You’ll have a drawing
that leaves you feeling “dreamy”.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Crayons

• Watercolor paint
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw a curved line, or hill.

2. Add some simple buildings, or something you know like your school.

3. Add some trees below.

4. Rotate the paper 180 degrees. Add a car in the hill.

5. Rotate the paper again. Draw a large sun in the corner.

6. Rotate the paper again, and draw yourself on another hill in the bottom corner.

7. Add some fun things you are playing with on the hill.

8. Rotate. Fill in any leftover space in the middle with flowers and butterflies.

9. Trace the drawing with crayons. Paint with watercolor.

Upside Down Chagall

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw a curved 2. Add some simple buildings, or 3. Add some trees below.
line, or hill. something you know, like your
school.

4. Rotate the paper 180 degrees. 5. Rotate the paper again. Draw a 6. Rotate the paper again, and draw
Add a car in the hill. large sun in the corner. yourself on another hill in the
bottom corner.

7. Add some fun things you are 8. Rotate. Fill in any leftover space 9. Trace the drawing with crayons.
playing with on the hill. in the middle with flowers and Paint with watercolor.
butterflies.
Upside Down Chagall Line Art

It takes extra effort to tear a shape out,

instead of just cutting it, but the fuzzy edge
you get is worth it.

Use this technique for things that DO have

fuzzy texture in real life, and you have the
makings of a fun collage.

This project could be done with real news-

print, but to avoid the ugly ads and the ink it
can leave on fingers, try just printing my
template on creamy cardstock paper.

MATERIALS

• Colored cardstock paper, 8.5” x 11”

• Cream cardstock paper, 8.5” x 11”

• Glue stick

• Crayon, gray

• Red and yellow paper scraps

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut a sheet of colored cardstock paper to 6” x 9” for your background. (Keep scraps for future collages.) Print
newsprint template on cream card stock, cut to 5.5” x 8.5”.

2. Draw a simple hen shape on the back of the cream card stock. Tear the hen out with your fingers, going very
slowly to keep on your pencil line.

3. Peel a gray crayon and rub it around the edges of your hen. The goal is to get a soft, shadowy edge.

4. Glue hen shape to journal paper. Cut out small rectangles of red cardstock and place under the head. Draw the
shapes you need in pencil and cut out.

5. Glue the red shapes behind the hen body.

6. Repeat tearing and color process to make a wing. Cut out beak and legs and glue in place. Draw an eye.
Hen Collage Tutorial

1. Cut a sheet of colored cardstock 2. Draw a simple hen shape on the 3. Peel a gray crayon and rub it
paper to 6” x 9” for your background. back of the cream card stock. Tear around the edges of your hen. The
(Keep scraps for future collages.) the hen out with your fingers, going goal is to get a soft, shadowy edge.
Print newsprint template on cream very slowly to keep on your pencil
card stock, cut to 5.5” x 8.5”. line.

4. Glue hen shape to journal paper. 5. Glue the red shapes behind the 6. Repeat tearing and color process
Cut out small rectangles of red hen body. to make a wing. Cut out beak and
cardstock and place under the head. legs and glue in place. Draw an eye.
Draw the shapes you need in pencil
and cut out.
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com

Hundertwasser DIRECTIONS

Flowers 1. Draw three different size circles.

2. Add more concentric circles inside each.

Elements/Principles: Line, Color, Unity
3. Draw a wavy horizontal line and add stem to the right circle.
Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an
4. Draw another wavy line and add a stem to the middle flower.
Austrian artist who believed in living life in
harmony with nature and his work often 5. Draw another wavy line and add a stem to the left circle.

reflected those feelings.

6. Fill in the sky with about 5 more wavy lines.

To make a colorful painting in his style,

7. Draw a row of fuzzy lines around each flower.
with a minimum of bleeding colors, I
recommend using watercolor pencil 8. Write your name in Hundertwasser’s style, so the letters

crayons. They are easier to control, touch the top and bottom line.

especially if you use just enough water to 9. Trace the drawing with a thin black marker.
blend, but not make any puddles.
10. Color in everything with watercolor pencil crayons.
MATERIALS
11. Brush the color with water. I recommend spacing out the
• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9” work to keep wet areas from touching each other.
• Black marker, ultra fine tip
12. Finish brushing water over all the art. Add dots to the ends
• Watercolor pencil crayons of the flowers, if you wish.
Hundertwasser Landscape Tutorial

1. Draw three different size circles. 2. Add more concentric circles inside each. 3. Draw a wavy horizontal line and add
stem to the right circle.

4. Draw another wavy line and add a stem 5. Draw another wavy line and add a stem 6. Fill in the sky with about 5 more wavy
to the middle flower. to the left circle. lines.

7. Draw a row of fuzzy radial lines around 8. Write your name in Hundertwasser’s 9. Trace the drawing with a thin black
each flower. style, so the letters touch the top and marker.
bottom line.

10. Color in everything with watercolor 11. Brush the color with water. I recom- 12. Finish brushing water over all the art.
pencil crayons. mend spacing out the work to keep wet Add dots to the ends of the flowers if you
areas from touching each other. wish.
Hundertwasser Line Art

If you cross a very organic shape like a

white bunny with a methodical approach
for making a line drawing, you might end
up with this rather precise fuzzy bunny.

Once you have the shape of the body, you

plan rows for the lines of the fur, and then
carefully fill them in, taking care to change
the direction of the lines when needed.

MATERIALS

• Drawing paper, white, 6” x 9”

• Black marker, fine tip

• Black marker, ultra fine tip

• Colored card stock paper, 6” x 9”

• Scissors

• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a circle for the mouth.

2. Add two symmetrical cheeks on either side.

3. Connect by drawing the top of the head.

4. Add two symmetrical shoulders and ears.

5. Finish the mouth and eyes and forehead.

6. Trace the drawing with the fine tip marker. Lightly draw rows of lines with a pencil as shown.

7. Fill in each pencil row with lots of thin lines with the thin black marker. Note how they lay like fur on the face.

8. Erase all the pencils lines between the thin lines.

9. Cut out bunny head, leaving a little bit of white space, and glue to a piece of colored paper for lots of contrast.
Furry Bunny Tutorial

1. Draw a circle for the mouth. 2. Add two symmetrical cheeks on 3. Connect by drawing the top of
either side. the head.

4. Add two symmetrical shoulders 5. Finish the mouth and eyes and 6. Trace the drawing with the fine
and ears. forehead. tip marker. Lightly draw rows of
lines with a pencil as shown.

7. Fill in each pencil row with lots of 8. Erase all the pencils lines 9. Cut out bunny head, leaving a bit
thin lines with the thin between the thin lines. of white space, and glue to a piece
black marker. Note how they lay like of colored paper for contrast.
fur on the face.
Furry Bunny Line Art

Proportion is the comparative size of

elements relative to each other.

If that definition sounds rather unexciting,

make it more fun by playing around with
the size of two familiar things, like houses
and flowers.

One large flower in a landscape of houses

may look large, but it could just be one
that is closer to you.

Add large flowers in the middle and back

of your drawing, however, an suddenly you
have either giant daffodils or really tiny
houses.

MATERIALS

• Drawing paper, 6” x 9”

• Pencil crayons

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the beginning of three houses.

2. Add a roof to each one.

3. Finish with windows, doors and chimney.

4. Start three more houses in the rear.

5. Finish the houses and add a horizon line.

6. Draw a large daffodil in the bottom right corner.

7. Draw another flower in the space in the background.

8. Add one or more flowers in the space left. Fill the sky with clouds.

9. Trace the drawing with a black marker, saving a thin one for details. Color with pencil crayons.
Little Houses Tutorial

1. Draw the beginning of three houses. 2. Add a roof to each one. 3. Finish with windows, doors and
chimney.

4. Start three more houses in the 5. Finish the houses and add a 6. Draw a large daffodil in the
rear. horizon line. bottom right corner.

7. Draw another flower in the space 8. Add one or more flowers in the 9. Trace the drawing with a black
in the background. space left. Fill the sky with clouds. marker, saving a thin one for details.
Color with pencil crayons.
Little Houses Line Drawing

An Eye for Magritte

Elements/Principles: DIRECTIONS

Rene Magritte was a Surrealist painter. He 1, Draw the outside shape of the eye. Note that it almost
wanted people to look at ordinary things in a fills the entire paper.
different way.
2. Draw the iris and a circle for the pupil.
Using one of his favorite themes, an eye, draw
3. Add the curves for the edge of the eye lid.
a large one as realistically as you can, and then
fill it with something that you might see during 4. Fill in with lots of eye lashes.

this time of year. 5. Draw a fun image inside the eye. Add as many details

The resulting image of something that is “real” as you can.

yet “not real” is what many use as a definition 6. Trace the eye with a black marker. Fill in the eye lashes
of Surrealism. and the pupil. Color carefully with crayons or pencil
crayons.

MATERIALS -

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Pencil crayons, Lyra Color Sticks were used

for this sample
An Eye for Magritte Tutorial

1, Draw the outside shape of the eye. Note that it almost 2. Draw the iris and a circle for the pupil.
fills the entire paper.

3. Add the curves for the edge of the eye lid. 4. Fill in with lots of eye lashes.

5. Draw a fun image inside the eye. Add as many details 6. Trace the eye with a black marker. Fill in the eye
as you can. lashes and the pupil. Color carefully with crayons or
pencil crayons.
An Eye for Magritte
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Mushroom Painting
Elements of Art: Shape, Form, Texture

The simple dome shape of a mushroom

makes for some fun drawing practice.

Draw the little caps in profile, and they

look rather flat. Tilt the view to see the
underside and all of a sudden you have a
round, dimensional mushroom.

Add some lines and patterns with a crayon

and they’ll have kind of a storybook quality
too. Don’t forget grass lines, it’s a really
easy way to add some more texture to
your painting.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Black permanent marker

• Crayons

• Liquid watercolor paint

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw the center mushroom stem.

2. Draw the cap around the stem.

3. Add a circle underneath and a dome on top.

4. Draw the two caps on either side.

5. Add the stems and a horizon line behind.

6. Start the snail on top of the center mushroom.

7. Add the eyes and swirl inside the shell.

8. Trace the drawing with a black marker. Add lines inside with different colors of crayon.

9. Paint with liquid watercolor paint.

Mushroom Painting

1. Draw the grid lines. Draw the center 2. Draw the cap around the stem. 3. Add a circle underneath and a
mushroom stem. dome on top.

4. Draw the two caps on either side. 5. Add the stems and a horizon line 6. Start the snail on top of the
behind. center mushroom.

7. Add the eyes and swirl inside the 8. Trace the drawing with a black 9. Paint with liquid watercolor paint.
shell. marker. Add lines inside with
different colors of crayon.
Mushroom Painting Line Art

© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Pattern Flowers
Elements/Principles: Line, Shapes,
Pattern, Contrast

Some drawings are about making things

look realistic, but it’s also fun to make your
art look flat ... on purpose!

Try drawing a picture with lots of lines and

shapes, then fill some in with bright colors
and leave some black and white.

In this case, the combination of the bright

colorful flowers on a checkered table will
create quite an interesting contrast and
make each part of the drawing stand out.

MATERIALS

• Drawing paper, 6” x 9”

• Black Sharpie marker

• Prang Color Sticks, or markers

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a simple pot shape.

2. Add lots of different size circles, leaving some space in between.

3. Draw flower shapes in some.

4. Add petal shapes to the outside of others.

5. Fill in any extra space with smaller circles and a few leaves.

6. Add pattern to the pot and the tablecloth.

7. Trace the drawing with a fine tip black marker.

8. Fill some circles or patterns so your art has some solid black shapes.

9. Fill in the flowers with color but leave the pot and tablecloth without for maximum contrast.
Pattern Flowers Tutorial

1. Draw a simple pot. 2. Add lots of different size circles, 3. Draw flower shapes in some.
leaving some space in between.

4. Add petal shapes to the outside 5. Fill in any extra space with 6. Add pattern to the pot and the
of others. smaller circles and a few leaves. tablecloth.

7. Trace the drawing with a fine tip 8. Fill some circles or patterns so 9. Fill in the flowers with color but
black marker. your art has some solid black leave the pot and tablecloth
shapes. without for maximum contrast.
Pattern Flowers Line Art

Crayon-resist watercolor paintings can

be done many, many different ways.
This cactus is my favorite though
because using a white crayon for the
needles both looks realistic and adds
and extra fun texture.

It’s also easy to give your flat cactus

and pot some shadowy form. All you
need to do is to add an extra swipe of
paint on one side after the bottom
layer is dry.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Black permanent marker

• White crayon

• Liquid watercolor paint

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the pot lid halfway up to the center of the paper.

2. Add the angled sides.

3. Draw one large round shape on the left. Wobbly lines are fine.

4. Add two medium circle shapes attached to the first.

5. Finish with two smaller circle shapes to balance the right side.

6. Add small tulip shaped flowers at the ends. Vary the size.

7. Trace the cactus and pot with a black marker.

8. Draw lots of cactus needles with a white crayon (shown as gray here). Press hard to make them show.

9. Paint the cactus and pot and flowers with one layer of watercolor. Go back and add another for shadows.
Prickly Cactus Tutorial

1. Draw the pot lid halfway up to the 2. Add the angled sides. 3. Draw one large round shape on
center of the paper. the left. Wobbly lines are fine.

4. Add two medium circle shapes 5. Finish with two smaller circle 6. Add small tulip shaped flowers at
attached to the first. shapes to balance the right side. the ends. Vary the size.

7. Trace the cactus and pot with a 8. Draw lots of cactus needles with a 9. Paint the cactus and pot and
black marker. white crayon (shown as gray here). flowers with one layer of watercolor.
Press hard to make them show. Go back and add another for shadows.
Prickly Cactus Line Art

Running Rabbit DIRECTIONS

1. Draw an oval for the head.

Elements/Principles: Shape, Movement
2. Add a V shape as shown.

This rabbit looks pretty simple, but really 3. Draw a small nose and mouth at the bottom of the
curvy shapes are actually some of the V shape.

harder ones to draw as they call for lots of 4. Draw the two circle eyes and the circles inside.
judgement calls about how much to curve a
5. Start the curve of the back.
line, how long, etc.
6. Draw the back leg.
With care, the rabbit’s running legs and
7. Draw the belly and front leg.
flowy ears will all add up to a very active
looking bunny. So much more fun than if he 8. Draw the other front leg.

or she were just sitting still, don’t you think? 9. Add a neck line and two floppy ears.

10. Add smaller shapes inside the ears. Draw a tail.

MATERIALS
11. Draw some zig-zag grass for a horizon line.
• Drawing paper, 6” x 9”
12. Trace with a black marker and color with one
• Black marker, fine tip crayon, pressing harder to get the darker color.

• Crayons
Running Rabbit Tutorial

1. Draw an oval for the head. 2. Add a V shape as shown. 3. Draw a small nose and mouth at the
bottom of the V shape.

4. Draw the two circle eyes and the circles 5. Start the curve of the back. 6. Draw the back leg.
inside.

7. Draw the belly and front leg. 8. Draw the other front leg. 9. Add a neck line and two floppy ears.

10. Add smaller shapes inside the ears. 11. Draw some zig-zag grass for a horizon 12. Trace with a black marker and color
Draw a tail. line. with one crayon, pressing harder to get
the darker color.
Running Rabbit Line Art
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Shaded Flowers
Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Value

Value is the darkness or lightness of a

color. Changing the value of a color will
either make something look brighter or
more shadowy.

One of the easiest ways to create a range

of value is by using watercolor pencils.
They let you easily make things darker or
lighter, depending on how much pencil
color you put down first.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Watercolor pencil crayons

• Brush

• Water

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a wavy grass line near the bottom of the paper.

2. Draw one tall flower on the left, with large, fat petals.

3. Add leaves below the flower.

4. Draw another flower to the side, this time with a side view.

5. Add leaves and curly line below.

6. Fill in any small spaces with one or more flowers.

7. Add butterflies or other insects in the open sky.

8. Trace the art with a permanent marker. Color with watercolor pencil.

9. Brush with water to turn into paint.

Shaded Flowers Tutorial

1. Draw a wavy grass line near the 2. Draw one tall flower on the left, 3. Add leaves below the flower.
bottom of the paper. with large, fat petals.

4. Draw another flower to the side, 5. Add leaves and curly line below. 6. Fill in any small spaces with one
this time with a side view. or more flowers.

7. Add butterflies or other insects in 8. Trace the art with a permanent 9. Brush with water to turn into
the open sky. marker. Color with watercolor pencil. paint.
Shaded Flowers Line Art

© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Splashing Boots
Elements/Principle: Color, Constrast,
Movement

One of the quickest and most sure-fire

ways to get an irregular, water-splashy
looking painting is to simply make a blue
puddle and blow it in all directions with a
straw. You end up with all kinds of cool
little irregular shapes.

Too keep this project about color and

contrast, I made some boot templates that
you can color many different ways. Older
students could of course, draw their own
and even add legs above the boots for
more stomping fun.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Watercolor paint, liquid

• Drawing paper, 8.5” x 11”

• Tempera paint sticks, or markers

• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS

1. Make hexagon templates with card stock. Students trace randomly, with some going off the paper. Leave space
in between.

2. Turn each hexagon into a cube by drawing a “Y” shape inside each. Note that the lines are always parrallel.

3. Draw some string going in and out of each cube.

4. Trace the drawing with a black marker.

5. Color the cubes with a medium density, and the background with more density for contrast.

6. Go back to each cube and color again so each has a light, medium and dark side.
Splashing Boots Tutorial

2. After the boots have been printed on drawing

paper, color a matching set with some lots of warm
colors. This sample was made with tempera sticks,
which dries quickly without a lot of buildup. Markers
wil make a fine substitue too. Cut out the boots
when complete, cutting away the black outline.

1. Use a brush to make a puddle of watercolor paint

near the bottom of the 6” x 9” piece of watercolor
paper. Blow the paint in all directions with a straw.
Let dry. If the splatters do not seem dramatic
enough, then repeat the process unti there are lots of
little lines going out in all directions. Let dry.
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com

3. Arrange the boots on the painted paper to show

some stomping action. Glue in place.
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com © artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Springtime in the City
Element of Art: Lines, Shapes, Patterns

Try layering shapes to give your art more

depth. Some simple trees and buildings are an
easy place to start, and offer all kinds of
window and building possibilities.

To keep the lines nice and crisp, save the

marker tracing for the end. Have fun adding
smaller details with marker and crayon. Get
creative and add as many colorful patterns as
you can.

MATERIALS

• Multimedia paper, 6” x 9”

• Tempera cake paints

• Black permanent marker

• Crayons

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a row to trees near the bottom of the paper. Make sure the ovals touch each other.

2. Start a row of city buildings above the trees.

3. Add another row of buildings behind the first.

4. Fill in all the shapes with tempera paint.

5. Trace the edges with a black marker. Add some small black shapes for some extra contrast.

6. Add more details with more colored crayons.

Springtime in the City Tutorial

1. Draw a row to trees near the 2. Start a row of city buildings above 3. Add another row of buildings
bottom of the paper. Make sure the the trees. behind the first.
ovals touch each other.

4. Fill in all the shapes with tempera 5. Trace the edges with a black marker. 6. Add more details with more colored
paint. Add some small black shapes for crayons.
some extra contrast.
Springtime in the City Line Art

Observational drawing is one of the best

ways to improve your skills. Looking at
something closely will help you add more
details to your drawing. The more details,
and change in value and texture, the more
realistic your drawings will become.

Looking at a real flower would the best

way to really see it, but when that’s not
possible or practical, then drawing from a
really good photo is the next best thing.

You can follow my tutorial to make a plan

to draw either sunflower photo.

MATERIALS

• Drawing paper, 6” x 9”

• Pencil crayons

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the center circle. Add an inner circle where the texture divides.

2. Draw the petals that are in the front of the others.

3. Draw the petals that fill in the back.

4. Turn the center circles into two bumpy ones. Erase the smooth ones.

5. Color all of the sunflower with a base of yellow color. Color the back.

6. Add orange shadows on top.

7. Fill in the outer circle with a small seed texture.

8. Fill in the inner circle with a different texture.

9. Use even more pressure to add the darkest shadows to the flower.
Close Up Sunflower Tutorial

1. Draw the center circle. Add an 2. Draw the petals that are in the 3. Draw the petals that fill in the
inner circle where the texture divides. front of the others. back.

4. Turn the center circles into two 5. Color all of the sunflower with a 6. Add orange shadows on top.
bumpy ones. Erase the smooth ones. base of yellow color. Color the back.

7. Fill in the outer circle with a small 8. Fill in the inner circle with a 9. Use even more pressure to add
seed texture. different texture. the darkest shadows to the flower.
Close Up Sunflower Vertical

Simple patterns drawn with lots of color and

contrast can make take an average drawing
from ho-hum to “wow”!

To make this drawing work for all ages, I’ve

made a template with dots so everyone can
get off to a good start drawing an umbrella
that fills half the paper, and has a dimensional
point of view.

Try to color in all of your drawing (no white!)

to get maximum impact.

MATERIALS

• Drawing paper, 6” x 9”

• Black marker

• Colored markers, I used Prang and Stabilo

• Cardstock paper, black, 6” x 9”

• Scissors

1. Print the template page. Connect the dots with a straight lines.

2. Connect the two points shown with a straight line.

3. Add the additional lines, noting that the ends are slightly curved.

4. Draw the body and boots underneath.

5. Draw a puddle around the boots.

6. Trace the drawing with a black marker.

7. Use skinny markers to fill the umbrella with patterns. Fill in the body with solid colors.

8. Fill in the umbrella with solid colors. Color over the patterns.

9. Cut out the drawing. Glue on to black paper. Draw rain with metallic marker.
Umbrella Patterns Tutorial

1. Print the template page. Connect 2. Connect the two points shown 3. Add the additional lines, noting
the dots with a straight lines. with a straight line. that the ends are slightly curved.

4. Draw the body and boots 5. Draw a puddle around the boots. 6. Trace the drawing with a black
underneath. marker.

7. Use skinny markers to fill the 8. Fill in the umbrella with solid 9. Cut out the drawing. Glue on to
umbrella with patterns. Fill in the colors. Color over the patterns. black paper. Draw rain with metallic
body with solid colors. marker.
Umbrella Patterns Template

© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
© artjournalprojectsforkids.com
Watering Can Bouquet
Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Texture

One of the prettiest combinations I know of

is watercolor paint and crayon good old
crayons. They give you extra texture, a
definite edge to your drawing, and some
help in keeping the paint from running
together. Just be sure to press hard to make
nice thick lines so they can do their job.

This watering can is a fun option for a

spring bouquet of flowers. Take care to
curve the bottom and top lines so the can
will look round and dimensional when you
are done.

MATERIALS

• Watercolor paper, 6” x 9”

• Crayons

• Liquid watercolor paint

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw a symmetrical pot.

2. Add a handle on the side.

3. Draw a spout on the other side.

4. Draw a petal flower and a tulip.

5. Add two more drooping flowers and stems.

6. Fill in with lots of leaves.

7. Trace the drawing crayons. Press hard to make thick lines that will keep the colors from combining.

8. Paint the watering can and flowers with watercolor paint.

9. When dry, paint the background.

Watering Can Bouquet Tutorial

1. Draw a symmetrical pot. 2. Add a handle on the side. 3. Draw a spout on the other side.

4. Draw a petal flower and a tulip. 5. Add two more drooping flowers 6. Fill in with lots of leaves.
and stems.

7. Trace the drawing crayons. Press 8. Paint the watering can and 9. When dry, paint the background.
hard to make thick lines that will flowers with watercolor paint.
keep the colors from combining.
Watering Can Bouquet Line Art

This pretty collage can create the illusion of

action, simply by placing the kites at an
angle and making the tails continue the line
below. Tilt them all in the same direction to
make them “blow” in the breeze.

This project also shares the best way I know

of for kids to create clouds. Work quickly
and “suck up” blue watercolor paint before it
dries, to make some pretty irregular shapes.
Please note that real watercolor paper and
liquid paint works best for this.

MATERIALS

• Watercolorpaper paper, two sheets, 6” x 9”

• Liquid watercolor paint

• Paper towel

• Paper plate or similar

• Scissors

• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS

1. Paint one sheet of 6” x 9” watercolor paper generously with blue watercolor paint. Dab with a wad of paper
towel right away to suck up little splotches of color. Work quickly and press hard.

2. Take the second sheet of watercolor paper and paint blotches so they run together to make new colors. Don’t
overmix as having lots of different shades will look best.

3. Use a pencil to draw “t” shapes. Connect the corners to make diamonds.

4. Cut the kites out with scissors and arrange to make a balanced composition. Be sure to angle before you glue
them down. Draw the tail string with a pencil. Cut and glue bows from scraps.

5. Trace the kite stick and tail lines with the thin black marker. Erase any extra pencil lines.
Windy Kite Collage Tutorial

1. Paint one sheet of 6” x 9” watercolor paper gener- 2. Take the second sheet of watercolor paper and
ously with blue watercolor paint. Dab with a wad of paint blotches so they run together to make new
paper towel right away to suck up little splotches of colors. Don’t overmix as having lots of different
color. Work quickly and press hard. shades of bright color will look best.

3. Use a pencil to draw “t” shapes. 4. Cut the kites out with scissors and 5. Trace the kite stick and tail lines
Connect the corners to make arrange to make a balanced composi- with the thin black marker. Erase any
diamonds. tion. Be sure to angle before you glue extra pencil lines.
them down. Draw the tail string with a
pencil. Cut and glue bows from scraps.
RECYCLED
ART JOURNAL

Spring
Projects
Art Projects for Kids
Cover art a large binder. Cut and tape to bottom.

RECYCLED
ART JOURNAL

Spring
Projects
Art Projects for Kids
Cut and tape to top.
Cover art for a large binder.

Spring Projects
Art Projects for Kids