A Visual Arts Activity Inspired by Works of Art from the VMFA Collection

Cultures all over the world create decorative patterns, perhaps inspired by the enduring patterns humans see in the natural world that surrounds us, from the cycle of the seasons to the pattern of the stars in the heavens. These hands-on activities, which can be adapted for a number of grade and ability levels, introduce repeating and alternating patterns, as well as the concept of a visual motif.

Teach about the Fibonacci sequence being a series of numbers and which is found reflected in nature.  Students create artwork based on the sequence.

Students will explore with watercolor techniques and collage to design their own character for a book cover.  Through an artist study on artist Eric Carle, students will observe and identify shapes in animals and use their painted papers for a collage.

Students will learn about contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes. Inspired by her work, students will first practice using line, shape, and color by creating an abstract drawing using household items. Then, students will use digital drawing tools to explore those concepts and unexpected outcomes to create a final work of art.

This lesson connects the invention of the x-ray by Tesla to the artwork of Austrailian Aboriginals.

Teachers will be able to use this lesson virtually or in-person! This Google Slide deck lesson can also be downloaded as a PowerPoint! Speaker notes are included which make it easy for teachers or substitutes to teach this lesson!Read Aloud: The VERY Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach*Literacy Objective: Students will be able to make text-to-self connections.*Science Objective: Students will be able to identify the stages of the butterfly life cycle.*Art Objective: Students will be able to draw a butterfly and show understanding of symmetry and warm and cool colors. Hampton Oaks Elementary School (Kari Nugent, Annie Schmidt, Lindsey Bruce, Melissa DiAscro, & Rebecca Fausett)