Wayne Thiebaud Art Project Art And Write Cake Lesson Artist Study Art Activity

This Wayne Thiebaud Cake Art and Write resource is an artist study with art and writing built in. Students learn about Wayne Thiebaud and his bright, playful style, create their own cake artwork inspired by his work, then keep going with writing, an artist statement, reflection pages and an exit ticket.

It is for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want to bring art and literacy together in upper elementary and middle school art. It also works for artist study units, cross-curricular lessons and sub plans.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “My students love this lesson and it is very organized to be able to teach it.” Ann M.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Cover Page
• 1 About the Art and Write Resource Page and 1 How to Use Page
• 2 Lesson Plan Pages and 1 Standards Page
• 1 Warm-Up Art Challenge Page
• 1 Student Reading Page about the artist
• 2 Rubric Pages
• The Message writing reflection page, Artwork Reflection page and Artist Mindsets page
• Artist Statement Pages and an Exit Ticket Page
• 1 Quick-Pick Reference Images Page with choices for cake shape, topper and icing details
• 1 Rough Draft Page, 1 Artwork Planning/Example Page and 1 Full-Page Example Artwork
• Step-by-Step Tutorial in PDF and PowerPoint
• Writing Pages: non-fiction planning and prompt pages, fiction planning and prompt pages, opinion writing pages and blank writing pages
• Two versions of writing paper to support different learner needs

WHAT STUDENTS DO

Students start with a Warm-Up Art Challenge, drawing an everyday object in Thiebaud's style. They read about the artist, then create a bold cake artwork with strong color, frosting details, a cake topper and a playful dessert composition. The Quick-Pick Reference Images let each student choose their own cake shape, topper and icing, so every piece looks a little different.

The example uses oil pastel and watercolor paint, but you can use whatever materials suit your classroom. Afterward, students plan and write in non-fiction, fiction or opinion form, and finish with The Message, Artwork Reflection, Artist's Statement and Exit Ticket. Along the way they practice drawing, color, shape, line, craftsmanship and personal expression.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Wayne Thiebaud art lesson with writing and reflection included.

Is this resource editable?

No. It is non-editable.

Does it include a step-by-step tutorial?

Yes. It includes both a PDF and a PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial, which you can project for the class or leave for a sub.

Can I use my own art materials?

Yes. Use what works best for your classroom. The example artwork uses oil pastel and watercolor paint.

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 was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “This was a fun and engaging project for my students. Thank you!” Gloria M.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is for single educator use only.

YOU MAY: use this resource 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 this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic