Projects 2020-21 Archive
These projects were specially selected to be done with simple supplies and require no (or little) assistance. We have kept them available to the public to continue to enjoy. Below is the key project information, links, teaching materials and some sample pictures. Enjoy!
Shortcuts to projects info:
Turtles
Inspired by Turtle Alley
Project Description:
Turtle Alley is an art-filled alley in Malaysia that raises awareness of their local endangered turtles and other turtles. Student artwork line the walls and sidewalk and entrance. Students will learn more about Turtle Alley and turtles. Then they will draw and decorate their own turtle.
Key Words: Community Beautification, Mosaic. Special thanks to: Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia and Dr. Chan Eng Heng for use of their pictures and all of their work!
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (optional)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
3-5 Step 1 - Video Lesson Intro (watch and learn!)
3-5 Step 2 - Pick and Draw a Turtle - 6 options: 1 2 3 4 5 6
3-5 Step 3 - Decorate (See samples for ideas - no video except how to draw a turtle shell pattern)
Google Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (a few pages you may adapt & use if you don't want a video lesson. Just How to Draw and ideas to color a turtle)
Printable Lesson 2 (if you don't want to give a video. slightly modified, and less pictures)
Printable Lesson 3-5 (if you don't want to give a video. slightly modified, and less pictures)
If you want to learn more, here are some useful links:
Sea Turtles 101 - Nat Geo Wild - Learn more about Sea Turtles!
What is a mosaic - Learn more about mosaics
Paper Mosaic Rainbow Fish - Bonus art lesson how to make a mosaic fish at home!
Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia - Learn more about the group that cares for Turtle Alley and turtles
Behind My Mask
Inspired by Behind My Mask: A Super Kid Self-Portrait by Cassi Stephens
Project Description:
What did people do to record what they looked like before photography? Students will learn some history about Portraits and Self-Portraits. Then students will draw their own self-portrait with a twist! At first it looks like you are wearing a mask, and then you can open the paper and see what is behind the mask. Grades K-1: This project requires some adult assistance for the folding. If you prefer, there is a No Fold project alternative to draw a basic self-portrait with no assistance needed. Key Words: Portrait, Self-Portrait Special thanks to: Cassie Stephens and her project Behind My Mask: A Super Kid Self-Portrait.
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (optional)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
2-12 Bonus Videos with Word Art Tips (not HOA specific)
- How to draw bubble letters (by artlessonplanvideos)
- How to draw graffiti bubble letters (by pin koro)
- How to draw block letters, graffit, bubble (by simpsonvision)
Google Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (a few very basic coloring pages/ideas you may adapt & use if you don't want a video lesson.)
Printable Lesson 2 (if you don't want to give a video. Slightly modified, less pictures)
Printable Lesson 3-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Slightly modified, less pictures)
Folding Surprise Videos - YouTube Channel with lots of variations like sharks, flamingos, and ice-cream
Galaxy Skies
Inspired by Jen Aranyi
Project Description:
The sky can be filled with such beautiful colors, especially at sunrise and sunset. Students will see some examples of beautiful skies, and then will create a galaxy sky over a mountain landscape in the style of contemporary artist Jen Aranyi. They can create a simple scene, and blend or layer colors to make an amazing sky. The lesson will work with best with crayons or colored pencils, but markers can work. Special thanks to: Jen Aranyi at https://jenaranyi.com/ or her wonderful artwork and project idea, and letting us share it! And Jennifer Stenta https://www.sequoiabluearts.com/ - for adapting and teaching the project for HOA!
Note: This art project/style works well for bookmarks, holiday cards, or ornaments. If you like that idea you are welcome to suggest it to your students. The suggestion and sample picture appears also appear on the project pages as well.
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (colored pencils or crayons preferred, but markers can work)
Optional supplies - black marker, bowl or something round to help draw a circle
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
6-12 Step 1 - Video Lesson Intro
6-12 Step 2: Crayon/Pencil Technique OR Follow Aranyi Video OR your own scene inspired by Aranyi
BONUS: 3-5 Video Lesson using Marker Blending Technique (if you have watercolor paper and markers) OR Aranyi Video using Markers
Extra Variations
Create galaxy skies bookmarks, ornaments or cards
Makes stars with holes
Poke small holes into the sky, and put by a window to see the sun light up your 'stars'.
Create something different in front of a galaxy sky
(like a car, house or a unicorn!)
PPT Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (a few very basic coloring pages/ideas you may adapt & use if you don't want a video lesson.)
Printable Lesson 2 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures)
Printable Lesson 3-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures)
Watch videos of Jen Aranyi
Learn about and see some amazing night skies
Elephants
Inspired by "The Elephants"
by Salvador Dalí
Teacher Notes
Project Description:
The surreal artwork "The Elephants" is the inspiration for this project. Students will be introduced to this artwork and to its creator, Salvador Dalí. They will also learn about Surrealism, creating art based on dreams and imagination. After, they can create their own artwork inspired by "The Elephants". Instructions will be given on how to draw an elephant with very long skinny legs, but they are invited to vary it as they wish. For instance, they can create another animal with very long legs, or an elephant with normal legs.
*Tip 1:
Some great videos bring Dali's elephants to life. They are listed on the project pages as optional extensions. 2-12: students may find them on their own since they are very visible on the project page. K-1: the links are just listed under the video - so kids aren't confused/distracted from the main project. Feel free to tell them about them if you want.
**Tip 2:
If you watch the video with your class, you may want to PAUSE on the screen with the swan picture with the elephants hiding. Some kids like to try to try to spot them!
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (optional)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
Bonus Videos that bring Salvador Dali's elephants to life:
(1) Salvador Dali's "The Elephants" Animated By: Branden Craghead
(2) Dreams of Dalí: a virtual reality experience by Goodby Silverstein
PPT Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (basic how to draw/ideas page/coloring pages you may adapt & use if you don't want a video lesson.)
Printable Lesson 2 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures)
Printable Lesson 3-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures)
What is Surrealism - Tate Kids Video
Dreams of Dali: 360º Video by The Dali Museum -5:09 min. Find the lobster phone at 1:25. Elephants start around 1:30 and continue on/off thru the rest of the video. With a smartphone you can freely look around!
Kawaii Doodles
Project Description:
Kawaii is the Japanese word meaning something that is cute. Kawaii art is known for characters with rounded shapes and simplistic features. You can see Kawaii style art on t-shirts, stickers, toys, advertisements, and so many more places! Famous Kawaii style characters are Hello Kitty, Pusheen and Pikachu. Drawing Kawaii doodles has become very popular. In this lesson students will get to have fun doodling! K-1 will be directed to draw simple characters lined up. 2-12 will be given some variations, with extra videos with more detailed steps to follow if they prefer. Coloring is optional.
Supply Tip: K-1 video suggests a ruler or book or something to help draw the straight line, but it can also just be drawn free-hand.
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (optional) + ruler or book to help draw a straight line (highly suggested but optional)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
2-12 Step 1: Video Lesson Intro (with warm-up doodles),
2-12 Step 2: Pick a video to follow or do your own:
(1) Single and Simple Kawaii Doodles
(3) Kawaii Explosion
PPT Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Lesson Plan Document 2-12 (geared for adults to learn and teach without video or slides)
Printable Lesson K-1 (basic how to draw/ideas page/coloring pages you may adapt & use if you don't want a video lesson.)
Printable Lesson 2-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures.)
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Watch: Boy Told Off For Doodles Becomes Restaurant Artist. A great story about a boy that loves to doodle. He is now known as "The Doodle Boy".
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Create: Kawaii-Doodle-a-day Challenge - challenge yourself or your family to doodle a character every day for a week, or even a month! You can make your own or find ideas on the internet. There are 100s of examples on the internet. Do them on the same sheet of paper to collect them, or start a small notebook and do a new page each day!
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Learn: "how-to" videos, ideas, and books : with adult help, you can find 100s of Kawaii Doodle videos, ideas, and books on-line! Keep on doodling!
Wavy Paper
Project Description:
Students will learn about Optical Illusions Art (Op Art) and then get to make their own Wavy Paper optical Illusion. Optical illusions use our eyes to trick our brains. Following step-by-step instructions, students will make their paper look wavy. At the end there is a optional bonus 'trick'. They can add small cut-out of a person and make it appear they are falling into the paper. K-2 has a shorted background section, and simpler samples. Younger students have needed some assistance following the drawing steps. 3-12 has a slightly longer background section, and more sample variations. 3-12 also has a bonus 'Exploding Shapes' version if they want to do more.
Supply Tip: The video suggests a ruler or something to help draw the straight line, but it can also just be drawn free-hand.
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons),
black marker (or pencil or crayon), optional: ruler (or something to help draw a straight line)
Samples: (more farther below too)
Main Student Project Resources:
3-12 Step 1: Video Lesson Intro
3-12 Step 2: Wavy Paper Steps
3-12 Example variation ideas:
5 lines, person falling.
6 lines, classic color pattern.
7 lines.
Rainbow coloring.
Ribbon coloring in pencil.
(pencil tip: press lighter in centers, harder/darker on edges)
Colored Candy Cane
separated with repeating blue/white
Curved lines
(tip: Instead of ruler for starting lines, make sweeping curved lines from edge to edge)
Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (basic template variations that they can use to add curve and color if you don't want a video lesson.)
Printable Lesson 2-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Modified, less pictures.)
Watch: Take a Tour of an Escher museum exhibit:
Artist M.C. Escher spent a lifetime distorting perspective by PBS NewsHour (6 minutes)
Create:
Parts of a Landscape
Project Description:
Learn about Landscapes and variations like Seascapes and Cityscapes. Landscapes often are big views of natural scenery, but they can include buildings, people and animals too. But the land (or sea or city) is the star of the picture. Some parts of a landscape include the Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background. Things in the foreground are closer so they are bigger and more detailed than the background. Students are invited to create their own landscape. They can design their own (just go for it!), or they can follow some step-by-step instructions to help get them started. For 2-12 there is an additional option of a folding landscape.
There is a lot of freedom with this project, so don't be surprised if you see a big assortment of landscapes/seascapes/cityscapes!
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (or pencil or crayon)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
2-12 Step 1: Video Lesson Intro
2-12 Step 2: Create your own landscape (or seascape or cityscape) OR Follow Step-by-step guide video with 5 scenes varying as you wish OR Follow Folding Landscape Video varying as you wish
Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson K-1 (if you don't want to give a video. Very modified, less pictures)
Printable Lesson 2-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Very modified, less pictures.)
Meet Bob Ross! As a creator and host of 'The Joy of Painting', Bob Ross painted many, many landscapes. Pick and skim through some of his videos to watch his landscape magically develop. Plus, he is famous for his soft voice and phrases he tended to repeat while painting...for instance: "Let's add some happy little trees." "It's the imperfections that make something beautiful, that's what makes it different and unique from everything else." "Ever make mistakes in life? Let's make them birds. Yeah, they're birds now."
Surf
Inspired by Heather Brown
Project Description:
Heather Brown has been called the "Godmother of Modern Surf Art". Learn about Heather Brown and see samples of her work. After, students are invited to celebrate the ocean by creating their own surf art. There are steps they can follow to create scenes inspired by Heather Brown: The Big Wave, The Surfer on the Shore, and The Sunset (for 2-12). If they prefer, they can design their own beach or surf artwork instead.
K-1 Note: if you or they prefer to create the Sunset scene, you can follow the separate video in the extensions area. The main video for K-1 only has the Big Wave and Surfer on Shore.
Music Note: The music in the video was made by a recent RUHS graduate. There is a link to him playing the ukulele in the project pages extensions area if you like playing music with your class and would like them to see the instrument in action. (or click here to see his video)
Suggested Supplies:
Paper, pencil, something to color with (markers, colored pencils, or crayons), black marker (or pencil or crayon)
Samples:
Main Student Project Resources:
2-12 Step 1: Video Lesson Intro
2-12 Step 2: Pick a scene and vary as you wish:
1 Big Wave
3 Sunset
Slides Lesson (similar to the main project videos but in slide form)
Printable Lesson 2 (if you don't want to give a video. Very modified, less pictures)
Printable Lesson 3-12 (if you don't want to give a video. Very modified, less pictures.)
Heather Brown - ART Feature Meet Heather Brown in this video. She is interviewed and discusses how she started making her Hawaii art and much more!
Hands on Art - Behind the Scenes - Music See and hear the Ukulele music used in the HOA video written and preformed by an Redondo Union Alum! Max Trotter (RUHS '20)
Special thanks to:
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Heather Brown https://www.heatherbrownart.com/ for her wonderful artwork and letting us share it!
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Ocean Fever for sharing pictures at our local beaches. Ocean Fever is a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing children and young adults to open water swimming, ocean safety, ocean education and environmental awareness.
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Max Trotter (RUHS '20) for the music.
Seasonal Mandalas
Bonus Family Art Project
Lesson for all grades
*Parent assistance needed for K-5
Found Object Doodle Art
Bonus Family Art Project
Lesson for all grades
*Parent assistance may be needed for K-5
