Album Art Project

This was a lesson I saw floating around on numerous art sites for a while now. I knew my Grade 7-9 kids would love this lesson as they always listen to Spotify when they're working in class. 

I started off with a brief slideshow about album cover art, showing some of the historically famous ones. Then, they had time to research which album cover they would do. They had the choice of e-creating their favourite album art or designing their own. I would say all of the class chose to copy one. 

I first provided them with a practice sheet to try out different ideas. 

(just Google 'playlist blank template, etc)

I had pre-printed a blank template (Google for free ones) onto 11 x 17" photocopy (tabloid size) paper.

I didn't want to have to have the kids use rulers and all that- but you could absolutely do that. This is just a time saving step, plus it looks pretty professional.

They could use any media they wanted, keeping in mind the paper is pretty thin. 

You could also print the template onto cardstock. 

Some kids prefer using the grid method!

Once finished, I mounted them all onto larger black construction paper.

This took about two classes to complete and the kids enjoyed it!

 

Birch Trees Watercolour Paintings

This is a very popular and well-known art teacher project- you can see variations all over the internet. 

I think it's so popular because there is a high student success rate with this lesson, due to using masking tape. I've posted versions of this project many, many times in the past.

I now normally do this lesson with my Grade 7-9 class. 

On heavy white paper, draw a wavy horizon line for the snow. Then students use different sized widths of masking paper and tear/cut tree shapes and put it on the paper. Some choose to add branches for extra realism.

Trace around the bottom of the tree trunks with a pencil.

Paint the sky using watercolours. Let dry.

Some add salt for texture.

The next class, carefully remove the masking tape. Mix up a cool toned light grey/blue and use it to paint shadows down on side of each tree trunk. |Then, using the same paint, add cast shadows from the bottom of each tree. Make sure you go in the same diagonal direction for each tree.

Final step is to add the signature black markings using a thin brush and black paint.

I always love how these come out- it's a real crowd pleaser!!

 

Viking Longship Watercolour Paintings

This is a great collaborative lesson if any of your Social Studies teacher 

teach about the Vikings. 

I've posted the steps to this lesson previously HERE and HERE.

I always love the results!  Grade 7-9