Great Wave Art Project Japanese Art Lesson Art Activity Art History Art Project

This Great Wave Art Project is inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Students create dramatic curling waves, boats, Mount Fuji and bold sky colors, following a clear step-by-step that still leaves room for their own artistic choices. The finished pieces are full of movement, energy and contrast.

It is written for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want an ocean art lesson that brings together Japanese art, art history and strong step-by-step support, and that is very teachable in a real classroom.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “Students love this artwork, and this lesson was very engaging.” Art T.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Cover Page
• 1 About the Resource Page
• 1 Critical Thinking Questions Page
• 3 Lesson Plan Pages
• 1 Warm-Up Art Challenge Page
• 1 Student Reading Page about The Great Wave
• 1 Color Poster Sample Page
• 1 Rubric Page
• 1 How-to Draw: The Great Wave Page
• 1 KWL Chart Page
• 1 The Message Reflection Page
• 1 Analyze: Elements and Principles Reflection Page
• 1 Compare and Contrast Page
• 1 Questions and Wonders Page
• 1 Goal Setting Page
• 2 Artwork Reflection Pages
• 1 Peer Feedback Page
• Artist’s Statement Pages
• 1 Full-Page Example Artwork Page
• PDF Step-by-Step Tutorial with visual and text directions that guide students through drawing, painting, shading and detail work

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

The student reading page introduces The Great Wave and Katsushika Hokusai before students begin. It covers the giant wave, the tiny boats, Mount Fuji, the use of blue tones and the traditional Japanese style known as ukiyo-e.

Students then build giant curling waves, water movement, tiny boats and a strong composition. With layered blue waves, bold outlines, stormy dark areas and warm sky tones, the finished artworks stand out in the hallway, on bulletin boards, at open house or in an art show.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Great Wave art lesson with art history connections.

Is this resource editable?

No. It is non-editable.

What materials are used?

Watercolor paint, a permanent marker or black colored pencil, colored pencils or pencil crayons, white oil pastel and black construction paper.

Does it include information about The Great Wave?

Yes. It includes a student reading page about The Great Wave and a warm-up art challenge to hook student interest.

Does it include reflection or assessment pages?

Yes. It includes a rubric, KWL chart, reflections, peer feedback, goal setting, artist statement pages and more.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (1)

★★★★ “My 6th graders loved this activity! Very engaging” Jessica D.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator whose work has been featured on NBC LX News and in OCO Magazine, as the featured educator on the cover of the October 2025 edition. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is for single educator use only.

YOU MAY: use it with your own students. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell it in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic