Brightly colored plants and sea creatures are a brilliant sight, but their patterns and colors also serve an important purpose. Survival for ocean creatures may mean blending into their surroundings or standing out from the crowd to attract a mate. This lesson plan for grades 9-12 incorporates the use of semi-moist watercolors on black art paper to bring the brilliant colors of sea creatures to life.
Brilliantly Colored Sea Creatures Art Project
Throughout history, many talented artists have been drawn to the wonderful color and light that make the ocean such a beautiful and mysterious landscape. Its inhabitants are just as beautiful, and this lesson plan allows students to explore a large variety of unique creatures and the reasons behind their brilliant colors.
Using the Richeson Metallic and Matte Collegiate Semi-Moist Watercolors on the Black Art Paper may require the practice of specific techniques. Be sure to demonstrate how the watercolors can be layered to create a more rich or opaque color.
View the Lesson Plan: Brilliantly Colored Sea Creatures
Tips for the Brilliantly Colored Sea Creature Project:
- Encourage students to choose a subject whose coloring tells an exciting story. Be sure to explore the inspiration for the subject’s name and how it uses its coloring to survive in an ocean environment.
- Have students perfect their background before transferring their ocean creature to their Black Art Paper.
- Highlight essential Elements and Principles of Design that students should remember when planning their piece.
More Watercolor Art Lesson Plans and Ideas
Watercolor paints create a softer look. The use of the Richeson Black Art Paper breaks from the more traditional use of watercolors to create a piece that stands out. Want to try something else? Be sure to check out these other art lesson plans and visit the Art Lesson Plans tag page.
Share Your Students’ Artwork
We love student art! Give your young artists an opportunity to shine by submitting their artwork to be considered in our monthly art contest. Students of all grade levels are eligible, and the online submission process is simple. The winning artist and the teacher who inspired them each receive a $250 gift certificate, and we’ll share their work across our social media channels!
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