Texture Under the Sea

Texture Under the Sea

Medium:  Tempera Paint

Reason for Lesson:  This lesson is to teach different textures in art.  Currently, our 3rd graders are learning about the senses of water; oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.

We chose this assignment so we can touch some cool things in the water; such as fish and the reflection of their skin in the water.  We will briefly discuss currents in the water and what they may look like painted, and then the texture of beautiful colorful coral.  

Prep Time:  20mins

Class Time: (45-minutes instruction/project time) The docent will discuss different textures in art such as layered paints, mixed media using different papers, maybe even a 3-dimentional object.  Also discuss the information in Reason of Lesson.

Materials:  Foil, fish template, scissors, tempera paint, flour, paint brush, water cup , paper plates or trays, blue construction paper (9x12), large ultra fine sharpie color markers, pencil, double stick tape or glue stick   

Instructions to Lead Lesson:

Step 1:  Start with the current of the water.  Explain how currents may be different, some may even be whirlpools.  I liked to include little bubbles in the example too.  Use blues mixed with white paint. 

 

This is an example of the whirlpool, where a little fish may get caught up in the coral reef.


Step 2:  While the background is drying, have the students trace the fish onto the foil piece, using a pencil.  REMIND THEM TO BE GENTLE AS THE FOIL DOES TEAR EASILY WITH ANY FORCE.  Cut carefully.

Now the student should put on ANY design on the fish using the Sharpies...a little design or a lot..their choice.

Step 3:  Now for the real fun, the coral (this is where a teacher helper is helpful!)  Using paint colors of RED, ORANGE, YELLOW and GREEN, place a small amount of paint onto your tray, and then mix in about a tablespoon of flour.  You want the paint to have a fluffy-like, chunky-like texture.

Next, Dab on your paint.  Do NOT use stroke, just dabs

The finished project should have lots of texture!

This example is great to show what strokes will do to the painting, the lower right red coral was stroked on and the result was flat.  Plus when it dried, it curled the paper.  Dabbing will produce less wet and a much better finished project.

Step 4:  Last step is to place on the fish.  Best result is to use a couple stripes of double stick tape.  

Done!