Kindergarten Line Lanterns
This project is relatively simple and takes learning about lines into the third dimension. I posted about this project back in 2013 and it was one of my most popular blog posts. I usually do a line painting…
Art Projects for Kids + Tips for the Teacher!
Art Projects for Kids + Tips for the Teacher!
Elementary Art Projects & Creative Lessons for Kids
Welcome to Art is Basic, a blog full of elementary art lessons, easy art projects, and teaching ideas for K-5 classrooms. Browse hundreds of engaging activities designed to inspire young artists.
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Art Gift Ideas for a Child
The holidays are quickly approaching! While you are thinking about the kids in your life, consider picking up some creative gifts. Please don’t buy those cheap art supply kits with a lot of different cheap crayons, markers and…
Watercolor Sharks and Free Shark Drawing Guide/Coloring Pages
Recently, I reviewed the book How to Survive as a Firefly and showed you a firefly art project to go along with the book. I also received a free copy of How to Survive as a Shark from Innovation…
How to Survive as a Firefly: Art Project
I was given the book How to Survive as a Firefly from Innovation Press to share with you on my blog. This is a pretty cool book, with nice illustrations and good scientific information throughout the book. I…
Yayoi Kusama Children’s Book
I am in love with this new children’s book about Yayoi Kusama. The illustrations are gorgeous. I love Yayoi’s style and her artwork. Known for her polka dot installations, polka dot pumpkins and mirrored rooms, this artist is…
Printmaking with Apples: Pumpkin Jack-o-Lanterns
This was a fun introduction to printmaking. I did this project with Kindergartners. I got the idea from this image on Pinterest. I read them The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons. I cut apples in half and the…
All About Me Foldable Explosion Books
One of the first projects my 4th/5th grade students created this year were personal “About Me” folded squash books. The kids were introduced to a simple foldable bookmaking technique and then they personalized them with drawings and collages…
Interview with an Artist: Justin Bua
Today I have a special artist to introduce to you. His name is Justin Bua. I was able to get an exclusive interview with him, so keep reading to learn more about his art.. in his own words!…
New! Texture Rubbing Practice Sheet
Easy, simple, fun! Brand new in my shop, a texture rubbing practice sheet. Use this handy sheet as a practice for making texture rubbings. Kids love using crayons to make texture rubbings, but they don’t always realize that…
Kindergarten Watercolor Shapes
I am always trying to come up with new ideas for my youngest students to experience painting in a successful way, learn about important art concepts and still be able to use their creativity. In this lesson, the…
Art Video: Doodling with Watercolor Pencils
In this video, I give a demonstration of how to use Maped Watercolor Pencils to make a beautiful doodled painting. If you are reading this through email or a blog reader, you may need to pop on over to…
Watercolor Pencil Review
Hi friends! I was given a free set of Maped Watercolor Pencils to review. I decided to practice my skills at making videos and I did a review of these pencils. Stay tuned! In my next blog post,…
Free Fall Leaf Printables
Two pages of high resolution downloads are available for free at my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. This is fun for fall leaf inspired projects!
Toothpaste Batik on Fabric
My creative and wonderful blogging friend, Phyl, has posted several times about her toothpaste batik process. I have admired the results for years and decided to try it last year for our Wild about the Arts Fine Arts Night.…
Back to School Letter Art for Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade
Hi all! I hope your school year is off to a great start. This project is how I began the year with my youngest students. First, I read them two short books about creativity and making art. First,…