Tropical Birds

Using a recent fifth grade field trip and science curriculum as inspiration, students created these wild and wonderful paintings of toucans and parrots!

Before we begin, we look at the art of Henri Rousseau and discuss how he overlapped plants and trees to show space. Then students look at photos of tropical birds and begin drawing out their picture using a black crayon. This is great advice from the art ed blog, Deep Space Sparkle.

Using a crayon helps eliminate "mistakes" and the constant erasing! Plus, the drawings end up much more free and full of personality.

Students use tempera paint, and outline finished artworks with a thick black Sharpie.