Expressive Giraffes

 2nd grade , about to be 3rd grade, made these awesome expressive pattern giraffes. 

Towards the end of the year, 2nd grade focused on drawing large scale images that incorporated pattern or complementary colors.

First students followed a directed drawing on how to create a giraffe close up. Next they traced their work with sharpie and created their fun patterns inside their spots. Last students watercolored their work, and they were encouraged to use pattern to create an optional complementary background. 

Each giraffe turned out as unique as the artist. 

Everyone loved them so much!

The students could not wait to take these babies home.

Zentangle Animals

Every year,  towards the end of the school year, I love teaching students to create an original Zentangle Animal Compositon. 

Often students will look at a photo for a reference of an animal. They can choose any animal that they will like. I have a photo file reference or we print an image out for them to look at.


Once students have their photo of their animal, they focus on Line, Shape. Size, and Placement while drawing. They really do try to do their best work.  I love their results.

Look at these fabulous Zentangle Animals.