Identity Art Lesson Hand Still Life Drawing SEL Art Project Culture Art Activity

In this identity art lesson, students create a carefully observed, shaded hand still life drawing, then surround it with 4 to 5 smaller framed illustrations that represent who they are, what matters to them, and the culture and experiences that shape them. The finished artwork is personal and display-worthy.

It is for classroom teachers, art teachers and homeschool educators working with upper elementary and middle school students. The lesson blends observational drawing, pencil shading, identity and culture reflection, and student choice of drawing and coloring mediums.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “I love resources created by Ms Artastic! They are always very well laid out and easy for teachers to prep and implement. I also find that students always have a high rate of success. Thank you for helping us non-artsy teachers.” Jessica M.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Lesson Plan Page 1 with lesson focus, big ideas, learning outcomes, competencies, materials and a preview of the finished artwork
• Lesson Plan Page 2 with a step-by-step "Teacher Does" sequence from intro to display
• National Art Standards Page with suggested standards
• Critical Thinking Questions Page on creativity, risk taking, art making, identity and viewing art
• Art Project Rubric for execution, creativity and originality, evidence of process and responsibility
• Brainstorm Ideas Page for identity and culture illustrations
• Artist Statement Page
• Creative Process Magazine Cover Page, where students show their process as if featured on the cover of Art World
• The Message Reflection Page on meaning, message, emotion and audience
• What is Identity and Culture Page
• Example Artwork Page to use as a hook
• How To Draw My Identity Artwork Page, a visual summary of the project
• Detailed step-by-step drawing pages with visual and written instructions

HOW IT WORKS

Students observe and draw their own hand, add palm details, and shade with a range of values, blending and highlights for depth and form. They design a frame around the hand, add 4 to 5 smaller frames, and fill them with detailed illustrations of their identity or culture. Drop shadows unify the finished composition.

Introduce the theme with the What is Identity and Culture page, show the example, and use the brainstorm page to generate symbolic ideas. Project the PDF or demonstrate yourself, then finish with the artist statement, message reflection or creative process pages. Students practice observational drawing, value, highlights and shadows, composition and unity, and personal symbolism.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers.

What materials are needed?

Pencil, eraser, black felt and drawing paper, plus students' choice of other drawing and coloring mediums. Smudge sticks or blending tools are optional for smoother shading.

How long does this lesson take?

Usually 2 to 4 classes, depending on student age, class length, detail level, and time spent on brainstorming, shading, reflection and coloring the smaller illustrations.

MORE TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “This is a great project. I save it for the end of the year because it is easy to stretch out or make more compact depending how much time you have left in the year. The students like it because they get so much choice.” nicole C.

★★★★ “This was a great activity that I used on Pink Shirt day. It was well laid out and the kids enjoyed it!” Amber M.

★★★★ “I used this as a year-end project for students to explore who they've become during this time.” Michala B.

★★★ “Good resource!” The T.

★★★ “Easy to use, personalized artwork for students to represent who they are. Got some really great results from this.” Amanda P.

★★★★ “Love this resource. Great for identity lesson.” Elizabeth S.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist, educator and resource creator who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured educator on the cover of OCO Magazine for the October 2025 edition. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast, where she shares art lessons, creative inspiration and support for educators and families.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use the clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic