Kindergarten Art Lesson 7

Looking at Trees and Finding the Lines

Objective:

The students will concentrate on using their eyes to “read” the lines used to make up the shape of a tree. They will then transform this observation into a black ink drawing.

Materials:

One sheet of any color construction paper, a permanent black ink pen (Sharpies work well) and pictures of winter trees

Procedure:

Begin by reminding the students how we have looked at trees and leaves already. Now we are going to look at the trees after they have lost all of the leaves to focus in on the art element line. If possible, go outside and find a nice big tree for the kids to spend some time observing. Have them look closely at the surface texture of the tree, find thick lines and thin lines and observe how the branches end with a point. Distribute a color piece of construction paper and pen to each child. Emphasize how they need to be very careful with these permanent markers as they will not come out of their clothing. Show an example of a typical kindergarten tree, rectangle with circle on top, and explain that we are going to let our eyes show us how to draw what we see. Begin at the base of the tree and follow the outer edges up and around each branch. Once the outside contour has been drawn off, have the children go back into their work to create the bark, or surface texture of the tree.

Conclusion:

Ask the class what art element we have been focusing on in our work today. Lines are everywhere and can help show us how to represent objects in our everyday world. Encourage them to share their work with one another then mount the drawings and display them for everyone to enjoy.

Artwork and Examples used in this lesson

Tree

by Piet Mondrian

Anonymous Example

Teachers Example

Student Artwork

Student Artwork