Pixel Drawing


Minnesota K-3 Visual Art Standards Used in This Lesson:

  • 1. Identify the elements of visual art including Color, line, shape, Form, Value, texture and space.

  • 2. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 4. Create original two- and three- dimensional artworks to express ideas, experiences or stories.

  • 5. Share and describe a personal artwork and reflect on a presentation based on the feedback of others.

  • 6. Compare and contrast the characteristics of a variety of works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Computer
  • Display Technology
  • Resolution

    • Students are shown how images on a computer screen are drawn with pixels. A photoshop file is shown at 100 percent so the image is understandable. Then the image is enlarged more and more until individual pixels can be seen.

    The teacher discusses how to make rounded shapes with squares. A letter J and K are illustrated on the board (translated from the smooth letters into jagged pixels). Next, A short demonstration on how to color the squares to form pictures is given by the teacher. A rainbow is shown along with other random patterns.

    Younger students are given grid sheets that they use to make their own pixel drawings. Older students are given smaller grid paper to use.

    (See also our advanced pixel grid assignment done in 4th grade.)