Using paints and markers will also encourage the kids to work faster and create a higher volume of work.
For example, you could draw an extremely simplified version, a more realistic version, and a cartoonish version. However, always encourage students to make the drawing their own. Your drawing should be a demonstration, not a reference. [4] X Research source
You could assign projects like “draw what you did over summer vacation,” or “make a portrait out of unconventional materials. ” This will also challenge kids to draw from imagination rather than observation. Kids who are 8 or older are likely to engage with this project best. However, if you have younger students that could tackle the project, feel free to try it with them.
For example, you could give affirmations like “Wow, the shapes you chose look really great together!” or “You’re doing a great job at staying focused. ” If you notice that a student has drawn something unusual or out of scale, such as a person with huge feet, you could ask them something like “Can you tell me more about the feet?” Asking them to elaborate can give you a better idea of how they observe and translate observation to paper.
Use an opening warm-up or ritual to help the students focus their attention and warm up, such as a few minutes of quiet contour drawing or sketching. Include a short review session at the beginning of each lesson to remind students of what they’ve learned already. During this time, ask students if they have any questions about previous lessons or techniques. The main assignment should take up the bulk of the class time. Start by introducing any new techniques that students will need to complete the assignment, then explain the assignment details before letting students begin working on it.
Other important basic artistic skills include working with lines, shapes, colors, values, and textures. For example, your students will need a solid background in design principles for a college degree in graphic design, interior design, or visual communications. They could also apply these skills in the workplace when designing a logo, making promotional brochures, or creating visually compelling emails.
For example, you could introduce pop art with a lesson on color theory or portraiture. You could pair a section on abstract art with a lesson on how to create balance in a composition. [9] X Research source
For example, you could set up a still life in the classroom with a bowl of fruit or a series of glass bottles. Have students draw, paint, or photograph the scene in class to hone their skills.
For pottery classes, you could have students sketch their favorite mugs in detail. For a drawing class, assign blind contours and action poses to let students practice and get used to the feeling of drawing.
To get more hands-on, you could arrange for a tour or a presentation with a local artist. You could also include an assignment with the trip, such as a paragraph on their favorite piece.
For example, when giving feedback on an abstract piece, you could say, “Your sense of balance and composition is really strong. You’ve done a great job with this project. My only note is that contrasting colors could add a little more interest to the piece—try out some complementary colors next time and see what you think. " If you do class critiques, make sure to affirm your students on what they did well and keep things positive. Remember that feedback can be nerve-wracking, especially in front of the whole class!
Simple but beautiful scenes in nature are often favorites for painting workshops. You could choose a scene such as a boat on a lake at sunset, for instance.
This way, they’ll feel accomplished and have something to take home and show their family. This is one of the best ways to spread the word about your class.
For example, if you’re teaching a watercolor workshop, you could teach dry brush and spatter techniques by painting subjects like a waterfall or a rainy street. You could also encourage your students to keep a “cheat sheet” of notes as they learn new skills.
For example, you could periodically demonstrate each step on your own easel at the front of the class, and then give everyone enough time to work on that step and talk to each other. To create a calm, inviting environment, you could also set up the easels in a circle and have some relaxed, warm lighting.
For example, painting workshops should have an easel, paints, canvas or paper, brushes, and jars of water for each person. Pottery classes may need clay, water, sponges, shaping tools, and wheels, depending on the techniques used. You can either let the students take the supplies home or keep the supplies to use for future workshops.
Generally, you should limit your classes to a maximum of 10 people.
For example, you could say “Your brushstrokes here are perfect” or “You’ve done a great job at capturing the shadows. ” Make sure to also emphasize that there is no competition or comparison in the workshop. Let people work at their own pace and remind everyone that there is no right or wrong way to approach the creative process.
