Children at Art Easel

                    3rd - 5th Grade Art

Lesson 4; Week of April 27th

I don’t have a video for you this week, so let me know if you have any questions.  Have a wonderful week!

  • Mrs. Massey

Observational Still Life & Self Reflection

Visual Art Domain: Create/Respond/Connect

Key Terms:  

Still Life - A piece of artwork based on an arrangement of objects that are small enough to rearrange by hand.

Observation - To look closely and carefully at something.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper

  • Pencil

  • Eraser

  • Still Life objects - can be anything you like, but must be small enough to arrange into an interesting composition.  If you wish, look for things that have to deal with your interests or hobbies!  Try for at least 3 objects.  Look for things in a variety of different heights, color, shapes, textures, ect.  These will help make your artwork interesting!  Examples: sporting equipment, cups, mugs, toys, shoes, vases, fruit, candles, hats, flowers, kitchen items, cans, gardening tools, video game equipment, etc….the possibilities are endless!

  • * Optional - something to color or paint your artwork with after you’ve drawn.

Directions:

  1. Arrange your objects on a flat surface in an interesting way - try not to just line them up in a row.  Allow some things to be slightly in front of another.  Taller objects toward the back or sides.

  2. Before you begin to draw, spend some time carefully observing, or studying your still life objects.  Notice details - sizes, textures, widths, where things overlap, etc.  

  3. Drawing lightly and large, begin to draw the contours (outlines) of your objects - no details yet!  Don’t forget to constantly be looking back at your objects and continue to observe!.  Remember - it’s ok to make mistakes!  This doesn’t have to be perfect - just do your best!  Make revisions if you need to, and erase/redraw if/when needed.

  4. Now add in details.  Then darken outlines.  If you see any areas of shadow, begin to shade them in.  Don’t forget to draw at least a part of the surface they sit on - you don’t want your still life to look like it’s floating!

  5. If you wish, you can color or paint your still life.

  6. Do a little self reflection and write about your finished work.  How do you feel you did?  What was successful and what wasn’t?  Did you remember to really observe as you drew?  What might you do differently next time?

  7. Take a photo and email or upload to Google Classroom!  If you can, include a pic of your original still life you created as well!