Art History Spring Art Lesson Ted Harrison Butterfly Art Project Butterfly Art
Are you looking for a bright, joyful spring art lesson that introduces students to Canadian artist Ted Harrison while creating a colorful seasonal artwork? This Ted Harrison inspired butterfly and daffodils art project combines art history, expressive color, bold outlines, and a guided video art tutorial to help students explore artistic style while creating a vibrant spring masterpiece.
Students begin by drawing the butterfly and spring landscape using the guided drawing reference sheets, then use oil pastels to outline and add bright colors before finishing the artwork with watercolor or tempera paint to create a glowing, vibrant background.
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.
The final artwork is colorful, joyful, and perfect for spring bulletin boards, seasonal art displays, and art history units.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “We don't have an art teacher at my school so I look for art projects that are user friendly for non-art teachers. This was a terrific resource and I will be looking at purchasing more resources to get art into our schedule. Thank you!” Ann H.
★★★★ “Great resource for spring after teaching about Ted Harrison most of the winter. Videos really help when they are included with the resources! Thanks for having that as an option for the beautiful butterfly.” Tricia S.
★★★★ “My students loved this art project. Easy to use in the classroom.” Robyn Kelly
CAN YOU SEE THIS WORKING IN YOUR CLASSROOM?
Are you searching for a spring art project that introduces students to a famous Canadian artist while allowing them to experiment with bold color and design?
Do you want an art history lesson that combines creativity, storytelling, and expressive color in a fun seasonal artwork?
This resource works beautifully for:
• spring art lessons
• April art activities
• Canadian artist studies
• Ted Harrison art lessons
• butterfly art projects
• elementary art classes
• homeschool art lessons
• substitute teacher art plans
• seasonal classroom displays
Students love designing the large butterfly wings and colorful spring landscape, and every artwork becomes unique as students experiment with patterns and bright colors.
THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES (NON-EDITABLE)
• Teacher lesson plan explaining the project, materials, and instructional goals
• Step-by-step drawing reference sheet showing how to draw the butterfly and surrounding spring elements
• Artist research worksheet where students independently research Ted Harrison and record key facts about the artist
• Artist profile page where students research and write a short biography of Ted Harrison
• K.W.L. artist research activity to help students explore what they know, wonder, and learn about the artist
• Student reflection worksheet encouraging students to think about their creative choices and artistic process
• Artist statement template where students describe the inspiration behind their artwork
• Student art rubric to evaluate creativity, craftsmanship, effort, and participation
• Example finished artwork poster teachers can display to introduce the lesson
ART MATERIALS USED FOR THIS PROJECT
This mixed media spring art lesson uses common classroom materials:
• drawing paper or cardstock
• pencil and eraser
• black marker or felt tip pen
• oil pastels
• watercolor paint or tempera paint cakes
• paintbrush and water
Students begin by drawing the butterfly and landscape, then add bold outlines and vibrant oil pastel color before finishing with watercolor or tempera paint to create a glowing background.
Your feedback helps me continue creating engaging art lessons for teachers and homeschool families.
FAQ
Q: Who can use this resource?
A: This lesson is perfect for elementary art teachers, classroom teachers integrating seasonal art projects, homeschool families, and substitute teachers looking for a structured spring art lesson.
Q: How can this resource be used effectively?
A: Teachers can introduce Ted Harrison and his unique art style, have students complete the included artist research worksheet, and then guide students through the artwork using the streaming video tutorial.
Q: How long does this lesson take?
A: Most classrooms complete this art project in 2–3 class periods, depending on class length, student age, and how detailed students make their artwork.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured educator on the cover of OCO Magazine (October 2025). She designs engaging visual art lessons used by teachers and homeschool families around the world.
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.
Buy 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
- Spring Ted Harrison Butterfly 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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