Autumn Art Lesson Fall Art Activity Warm Colors Art Project Autumn Leaf Art

In this Autumn Leaves Art Project, students draw a variety of leaves, paint them black, and surround them with glowing warm autumn colors for a bold, high-contrast piece that looks striking on display. It is designed for grades 1 to 4.

Students copy leaf shapes from the included example sheet, draw them at different sizes and angles, trace them in black oil pastel, paint the leaves black, and fill the background with overlapping warm colors in watercolor. It is an approachable way to explore fall color palettes and contrast with younger students.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “Another wonderful resource. So easy to follow, especially for the reluctant artist.” melissa C.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Full Lesson Plan Page with learning outcomes, materials, goals and Socratic discussion questions
• 1 Teacher and Student Steps Page
• 1 Art Rubric Page
• 1 Example Artwork Page
• 1 Autumn Leaves Example Handout Page
• 15 Step-by-Step Art Instruction Pages

HOW TO USE IT

Use it as a fall art lesson, autumn leaf project, warm color painting lesson, homeschool art lesson or sub plan. The leaf example page and step-by-step directions make it easy to guide students, and the dark leaves against a bright background make a bold bulletin board or hallway display.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students explore contrast, warm colors, composition, line, observational drawing and watercolor painting, along with an oil pastel resist. Placing several leaves at different angles and sizes teaches them to build variety and balance across the page.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers working with grades 1 to 4.

How long does it take?

Often 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, pace, class behavior, drying time and how much students experiment with paint concentration and layering.

Does it include assessment?

Yes. It includes an art rubric, along with lesson guidance and example pages.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (2)

★★★★ “This project was a good practice for washes and changing values with watercolor. The kids were able to be successful.” Celia L.

★★★ “I like the reverse color concept of this” Adrianna V.

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 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.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Any clip art may be used as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. 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