St Patricks Day Leprechaun Watercolor Art Lesson Leprechaun Directed Drawing Art

In this St Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Watercolor Art Lesson, students draw a playful leprechaun surrounded by giant shamrocks and clovers, then bring the artwork to life with watercolor paint and colored pencil. It blends directed drawing with watercolor painting, so students build drawing confidence while still exploring color and expression.

It is made for elementary art classrooms, classroom teachers celebrating St Patrick’s Day, homeschool art lessons, substitute teacher plans and March seasonal art. Because students choose their own paint blending and color combinations, every finished leprechaun looks different, and the bright artwork suits a March bulletin board.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “This really pushed my 5th graders out of their comfort zones. It was GREAT! We don't have an art teacher at our school at this time so they haven't really ever been asked to sit down and draw something. I loved the step by step pictures and explanations. It was easy to teach each step to them.” Danica N.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• St Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Lesson Plan
• Step-by-Step Directed Drawing Visual Guide for students
• Printable Student Drawing Worksheets
• Teacher Instructions for guiding the lesson
• Example Artwork of the finished project
• Art Rubric
• Student Reflection and Evaluation Pages

HOW IT WORKS

Students lightly sketch the leprechaun from simple shapes using the step-by-step guide, adding the hat, beard, clothing and facial features. They add large shamrocks and clovers in the background for a whimsical Irish landscape, then trace the drawing with black marker. Next they paint the background in watercolor, blending greens, yellows and blues and letting the paint move naturally. Once it dries, they color the leprechaun with pencil crayons or colored pencils, adding shading and details.

Students practice guided drawing, line, shape, composition, watercolor painting and mixed media. Materials: pencils and erasers, black felt markers or fine liners, watercolor paints, paintbrushes and water cups, colored pencils or pencil crayons, and cardstock or watercolor paper. You can adapt the materials to what you have.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Elementary art teachers, classroom teachers integrating art, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a fun seasonal art activity.

How is it taught?

Guide students through the step-by-step leprechaun drawing, then demonstrate watercolor techniques for the background. It works as a guided art project or seasonal classroom activity.

How long does it take?

Most classes complete it in 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, skill level, class behavior, teaching style and available class time.

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 (October 2025). She designs 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.

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. 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

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (13)

★★★★ “I am always pleased with these products, step by step instructions and great finished products.” Lisa S.

★★★★ “So fun! My class loved it!” Caprice H.

★★★★★ “This is a great lesson! Kids loved it, and the final products looked amazing!” Keely D.

★★★★★ “nice” catherine H.

★★★★★ “Thanks” Marlene L.

★★★★★ “Thanks!” KARISHMA B.

★★★★★ “Really cute art lesson! Love watercolor art. Thanks!” Robin W.

★★★★★ “Great art lesson!” Madeline G.

★★★★★ “thanks” Alexandra S.

★★★★★ “fun project!” Janell C.

★★★★★ “Thanks!” Lindsey K.

★★★★ “The drawing level was not appropriate for 4th graders in my opinion. The steps weren't as basic and it was pretty difficult for them. I will pass it on to someone who can use it in a higher level. Thanks.” Kelcey C.