Drawing 3-D objects and environments on a 2-D surface is more mathematical than students and young artists may imagine. Check out this Historical One-Point Perspective art lesson plan that takes the standard one-point perspective drawing to a new level!
Historical One-Point Perspective Art Project
Famous one-point perspective art pieces like Bedroom in Arles by Vincent van Gogh showcase the simple, yet precise method of representing a three-dimensional scene on a flat surface. Combining math skills and research on historical works of art, students will emulate an existing artwork using colored pencils and color mixing to achieve an eye-catching result.
Share with students the history of one-point perspective, namely that one-point perspective works of art—specifically pieces that utilize color blending and mixing—only appeared during and after the 14th Century when linear perspective was created by architect Filippo Brunelleschi. His use of “vanishing points” caught on and made linear perspective a key part of the realism style. That style gave the feeling of depth to paintings and drawings by Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello.
Art Lesson Plan: Historical One-Point Perspective
Tips for Blending Colors Using Colored Pencils
Students may not have much experience using colored pencils to blend and mix colors. Encourage them to step outside the “color inside the lines” mental framework to improve their understanding of how colors interact with each other.
Emulating famous art is a great way for students to gain the confidence to try new things and learn new methods—by engaging with art that was created using those skills and methods.
Read More Tips on Using Colored Pencils
More Colored Pencil Art Lesson Plans
If you want more ways to use colored pencils in the art room, consider one of these lesson plan ideas!
Share Your Star Students’ Artwork
We love to celebrate the wonderful pieces students have created. We are looking for all student artists and giving them an opportunity to shine. Submit their artwork to have them considered as our next featured student artist! They’ll have a chance to win a merchandise certificate worth $250 for the student and the teacher who inspired them. Original artwork from students of all grade levels is eligible, and the online submission process is simple.
