Burlap Shell Painting

Fifth Grade Art Lesson
5 Class Periods

Burlap Shell Painting, Fifth Grade Art Lesson

Ocean Shell



I found a great big shell one day.

Upon the ocean floor.

I held it close up to my ear.

I heard the ocean roar!

 

I found a tiny shell one day.

Upon on the ocean sand.

The waves had worn it nice and smooth.

It felt nice in my hand.

Day 1

• Students completed an observational drawing of a shell. 

Day 2

• Students taped a piece of burlap to a drawing board.
• The observational drawing of the shell from the class before was transfered to the piece of burlap.

Day 3

• Color theory was reviewed with students.  Proper mixing of tints and shades was reviewed and practiced.
• Students painted their shell using a monochromatic color scheme.  Students were asked to think about tints and shades as they painted.

Day 4

• Burlap paintings were taken off drawing board and mounted to a piece of black tagboard. 
• Students used paint chips in a complementary color scheme to create the background for the composition.

Day 5

• Students used the final class period to put finishing touches on the shell.   Students were asked to outline the shell carefully with black paint.
• Students filled out a self-evaluation on their project.  Students were asked to reflect on use of composition, craftsmanship, effort, use of class time, and overall final appearance of project.

Student Examples: