Winter Art Lesson Watercolor Painting Winter Art Project Polar Bear Art Lesson

In this Arctic Landscape Polar Bear Art Lesson, middle school students use fine-tip permanent markers and watercolor paints to create a polar bear painting set in the Arctic wilderness. It is a step-by-step, low-prep project designed by Ms Artastic.

The lesson fits a winter theme, Earth Day discussions or an Arctic animals art unit, and it builds students' confidence with drawing and painting while they explore Arctic landscapes. It works for art teachers, general educators and homeschool families.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “These turned out sooo well in my grade 6 art class! It was also really handy that it had step by step instructions therefore if a student was away, they could pick up exactly where they left off and I wouldn't have to continue to reteach it.” Lauren G.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Step-by-Step Art Tutorial
• Lesson Plan (2 pages) with materials list, learning objectives and Teacher Does/Student Does breakdown
• Step-by-Step Drawing Handout
• Rubric for assessment
• Art Making Reflection Worksheet
• Student Project Reflection
• Artist Statement Template
• Bulletin Board Sign
• Example Artwork

Materials: pencil and eraser, permanent black fine tip markers for outlining and detail, watercolor paints (or liquid watercolors for more vibrant results), card stock or watercolor paper, paintbrushes and water cups.

HOW TO USE IT

Print the lesson plan and step-by-step drawing guide to introduce the project. Demonstrate line work, contrast and watercolor washes, then let students follow the handout as they sketch their polar bear and background. Students can experiment with color choices, textures and painting techniques as they paint.

When the paintings are finished, use the rubric and reflection worksheets for assessment, have students complete an artist statement and put the work up with the bulletin board sign. The lesson also connects to science and environmental themes for cross-curricular learning.

FAQ

What grades is this for?

It is designed for middle school students.

What materials do students use?

Fine-tip permanent black markers and watercolor paints (or liquid watercolors) on card stock or watercolor paper.

When can I use it?

It suits winter, Earth Day or an Arctic animals art unit.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “This was an amazing art resource. Super easy to follow and step by step instructions. The kids loved it!” Madeline B.

★★★★ “My students loved this art project and it engaged all students.” Alanna S.

★★★★ “Students had great success with this step by step process. Great activity.” Honey M.

★★★★ “My students really enjoyed this art lesson. They were engaged and very proud of their finished product.” Eh-Okay T.

★★★★ “These turned out so well! My students really enjoyed them and it was great to see how detailed they were with them.” Michaela P.

★★★ “Excellent resource for students! My class enjoyed this activity.” Jessica M.

★★★★ “This is a wonderful resource that gave excellent step by step instructions--my 5th grade students were able to easily follow along and made beautiful pieces of art.” Teaching W.

★★★★ “This is a beautiful project. Students practiced drawing the polar bear over a few days before working on the finished piece. The results were gorgeous. A fun compliment to the creative non-fiction novel.” Sarah C.

★★★★ “This resource includes step by step instructions! Thank you” Math S.

★★★★ “Brilliant instructions. Thank you. My class created lovely pictures.” Ruth C.

★★★ “My 6th graders enjoyed this project!” Heather T.

★★★★ “My students enjoyed creating this picture!” Kristin N.

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 lesson in your classroom for years, use it in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. For clip art, you may use the images 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 or upload it to any website or digital platform, share it with other teachers, schools, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic