South Bay Hands on Art
Cacti
Lesson by Sandi Arthur
Grades 2-12
Samples
Video Lesson
Watch the video for the lesson and instructions!
(Optional handouts here)
Suggested Supplies
Basic Supplies: paper, pencil, eraser, black writing tool, something to color with, handouts
Upgraded Supplies options: like basic supplies, but use special art paper, Ultra Fine Sharpie, and special colors options (like watercolor pans or pencils, or water soluble oil pastels)
Optional Extensions
Time-Lapse: Beautiful Cacti Bloom Before Your Eyes | Short Film Showcase
Watch this amazing video from National Geographic Video
South Coast Botanic Garden (Palos Verdes)
Visit their Desert Garden and see lots of interesting cactus!
Project Description
The inspiration for this project are those awesome wonders of nature called cacti - and we’ll include some other succulents too while we’re at it! While working on this project many art terms or tips can be incorporated, like "drawing what you see", balance, rule of odd numbers, and rule of thirds. Students can follow step-by-step, or vary it by picking their own cacti/succulent types to draw. Handouts are available for ideas.
K-1 students create three pots, and then plant a cactus or succulent in each one.
2-12 students create one pot with overlapping cacti or succulents.
Special thanks to:
Sandi Arthur for sharing this project!