Oil Pastels and Leaf Prints


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Color Theory
  • Seasonal science

    • Students are given small sheets of black paper and oil pastels. A demonstration on layering the pastels is given and the students practice covering the paper with layer after layer of pastel, leaving a little spot of the previous color showing in places.

    Students are given a larger sheet of black paper and leaves with light colored paint. Students paint one side of a leaf and press it onto the black paper, leaving a print of the leaf.

    When the leaf prints are dry a discussion takes place as to how color affects our feelings/thoughts. Color Theory is talked about as it relates to how the students want their leaf prints to feel. Then students use the layered pastel technique to color the background, leaving a little black halo around the pints.