Back to School Cartoon School Supplies Art Lesson Mixed Media School Supplies

This Cartoon School Supplies art project is a bright, playful Back to School art lesson. Students turn a pencil, paintbrush, glue bottle and eraser into cartoon characters, then finish the piece with black marker, oil pastel and watercolor paint for a bold mixed media artwork.

It is for classroom teachers, art teachers and homeschool educators who want an elementary lesson that is easy to teach and still full of real art skills. It fits Back to School, and works any time you want a cheerful school-themed art lesson.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was great to use as a first project of the year for my 3rd and 4th graders!” Will T.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Artastic Art Lessons Intro Page with prep and teaching tips
• 2 Page Lesson Plan with lesson overview, materials list, big ideas, learning target, inquiry question and a full "Teacher Does / Student Does" flow
• Art Rubric for execution of project, creativity and originality, evidence of process, and responsibility
• Art Project Reflection Page for teacher and student, with space for scoring, strengths and next steps
• Example Artwork Page to show as your hook
• Step by Step Draw Handout for students to keep beside them while they work
• Poster or Title Page to introduce the lesson
• 19 Detailed Step by Step Tutorial Pages with visual and written instructions

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students draw the tops of the pencil, glue bottle and eraser, then add the full shapes, a paintbrush, arms and expressive cartoon faces. After outlining in black permanent marker, they color the supplies with oil pastels, add black shading around the edges and blend with their fingers for softer value. They draw large background swirls, color them with white oil pastel, and paint the background with red, blue and yellow watercolor so the colors blend into new ones.

Along the way they practice cartoon drawing, character design, mixed media techniques, watercolor resist, primary colors and color mixing, and the elements of line, shape, space, texture, color, form and value. Project the PDF, print the handouts students need, and show the example artwork before you start.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a Back to School art lesson with plenty of step by step support.

What do students make?

A smiling pencil, paintbrush, glue bottle and eraser with a bold black frame and a colorful swirling background.

What materials do I need?

Pencil, eraser, black felt or permanent marker, card stock or watercolor paper, oil pastels, watercolor paint or paint cakes, a paint brush and water.

How long does it take?

Usually 1 to 2 classes, depending on student age, class length and how much time you spend on coloring, blending and painting the background.

Can I use it as a sub plan?

Yes. It also works for bulletin board and Meet the Teacher displays.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (4)

★★★★ “Very good activity for the beginning of the school year. It is a bit of a challenge for my kids but its good to set high expectations and see how they do.” Passionate P.

★★★★ “Thank you!” Caroline M.

★★★★★ “Awesome” Debbie P.

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

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 for the October 2025 edition. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

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