Curriculum

Crayon & Watercolor Leaves

Grades 1st-3rd

Something just about everyone looks forward to with the changing seasons is the changing of the leaves. With this fun and interactive project, students will get to create their own autumn leaves using crayons and watercolor paint. Because the crayons are made out of wax, they will react with the water-based paint and leave the drawings untouched by the color. As a class, we will learn how to utilize reference images while drawing, formating a full-page project, crayon color options, and watercolor painting techniques like creating a gradient.  

Watercolor Leaves was featured in the Academy of Art University Spring Show 2025 - View Here

Yin and Yang: The Art of Balance

4th Grade, ages 9-10

Nōtan is an ancient art movement originating in Japan as an embodiment of the Yin and Yang, two complementary yet opposite forces. Through this artform, there is balance and symmetry between the light and dark spaces. One is not seen as more important than the other, both the shape and background are of equal importance. Through this project, we will learn the importance of positive and negative space in art, and work to create a balanced composition with an emphasis on harmony between the opposite black and white. 

Reflecting the Inner and Outer Self Through Mixed Media Portraits

Grades 5th-6th

A self portrait is a very intimate and personal piece of art. With this self portrait collage, students would not only be painting a self portrait, they will be creating a portrait that connects with them even deeper than what they look like. Together, we will learn about the mixed-media artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards, and then have the opportunity to have their portrait show how they think and feel, their interests, and how they seem themselves on the inside in addition to their physical appearance.