Element of Art Project Value Art Lesson Cactus Summer Art Activity

Let’s create Cactus in Moonlight! In this engaging art lesson, students will use soft pastels to explore the Element of Art: Value while creating a stunning desert-themed artwork. Inspired by the beauty of moonlit cacti, this art project introduces pastel techniques and integrates the theme of the Desert into your classroom or homeschool art curriculum. Perfect for Elementary Students, this lesson provides a fun, hands-on approach to exploring art-making processes and creative expression.

VIDEO ART LESSON

This is a video art lesson. Your download includes the lesson plan and printable pages, plus a "Watch the Video" page with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “I was hesitant to purchase a video with so many free ones on the internet, but I am glad that I did. We didn't have the same chalk the artist used, but were successful with Crayola brand chalks, sharpies, and charcoal pencils. The artwork is beautiful hanging on the wall and we receive many compliments on them. Will use again in the future.” Jessica N.

★★★★ “My students enjoyed doing this project during our desert study. We used crayons rather than pastels and it worked well. The results were really pretty.” Tamara G.

★★★ “This is a great resource for teaching the elements of Art. My second graders LOVED the cactus drawing and coloring. Great!” Sue K.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE?

This comprehensive resource includes:

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Follow along with a detailed video art tutorial that guides both educators and students through the entire project. Simply press play or use it as a guide to demonstrate the techniques!

Lesson Plan

A 2-page lesson plan outlines learning objectives, materials, and step-by-step instructions for teachers (“Teacher Does/Student Does”).

Step-by-Step Drawing Handouts

Visual handouts help students follow along and stay on track with confidence throughout the art-making process.

Rubric for Marking

Assess your students’ artwork with an included rubric that makes grading clear and aligned with the lesson’s objectives.

Art Making Reflection Worksheets

Encourage thoughtful reflection as students evaluate their creative process and final results with structured worksheets.

Artist Statement Template

Help your students articulate their artistic choices with a pre-designed artist statement worksheet.

Bulletin Board Display Sign

Showcase your students’ artwork with pride using the included themed display sign, perfect for your classroom or homeschool gallery.

Finished Artwork Example

Use a completed example to inspire your students and give them a visual goal to work toward.

Mediums & Materials

• Pencil, eraser, black felt
• Soft pastels/chalk pastels
• Blue or black construction paper
• Black felt markers

How to Use This Resource

This resource is designed for easy implementation in classrooms or homeschool settings:

- Prepare Materials

Review the lesson plan and gather the required materials in advance for a seamless teaching experience.

- Show or Follow the Video Tutorial

Play the step-by-step video tutorial to guide students or use it to prepare your own demonstration.

- Engage with Visual Handouts

Photocopy the drawing handouts, rubrics, and reflection worksheets for student use during and after the lesson.

- Display Artwork with Pride

Use the included display sign to create a visually stunning bulletin board or gallery of your students’ work.

Terms of Use

This is a non-editable resource and is copyright protected.

YOU MAY

• Use this resource in your classroom or homeschool setting for many years.
• Explore creative ways to incorporate this resource into your curriculum.
• Purchase additional licenses for multiple users.

YOU MAY NOT

• Share, photocopy, or distribute this resource outside of your own use.
• Post this resource on blogs, websites, or other digital platforms.
• Resell or give away this product.

Thank you for supporting Ms Artastic’s educational resources!

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs Art Lessons for Kids and Educational Resources for Teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

Images and Lessons are Copyright Products

YOU MAY

For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.

Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like

By additional licensing for school use.

YOU MAY NOT

Use this on OutSchool

Put on your Blog

Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.

Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

FILES YOU WILL DOWNLOAD

• Value Cactus Desert Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip: the lesson plan and printable pages (PDF), plus a "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial

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