Overview
Students will choose and draw a plant from around the world that inspires them, using oil pastels.
Grade Level
2 & 3
Media
Drawing / Oil Pastels
Theme
Imaginary Plants
Big Idea
Artists are inspired by the world around them.
Essential Question
How is drawing from imagination different than drawing from observation?
Case Studies
Materials and Tools
- Oil Pastels
- 9 x 12″ white drawing paper
Activities
Step 1
Students will choose a plant that inspires them and make a drawing.
Step 2
Students will decide on the composition and how much of the plant they want to draw on the page, starting with the largest shapes.
Step 3
Students will add small shapes, details, and visual texture to their drawing.
Reflection Questions for Discussion
- What did you notice about your plant?
- What new details did you discover about your plant while you were drawing?
- How is this plant different from other plants that you’ve seen?
- How did you draw your plant’s distinctive characteristics?
Vocabulary
Distinct characteristic, composition, reference photo
Resource
Photos of Plants from Around the World
Credits
Drawing Plants from Around the World
Written by Traci Talasco and Belinda Blum, Artist Instructors, with support from Julie Applebaum, Senior Director, Studio in a School NYC
Hasna Muhammad, Ed.D., Chair, Board of Directors, Studio in a School Association
Alison Scott-Williams, President, Studio in a School NYC
Copyright © 2023 Studio in a School NYC LLC