Earth Day Sea Turtle Zen Doodle Art Project Ocean Animal Art Lesson Earth Art
In this Earth Day Sea Turtle Zen Doodle Art Project, students draw a sea turtle inside a circular composition, add fins, shell details and a large heart on the shell, then divide the shell into sections and fill them with zen doodle patterns and decorative lines.
Next, students build color with oil pastels and paint over parts of the design with watercolor. The oil pastel resists the paint, so the colorful turtle stands out against swirling, ocean-inspired background shapes. The finished circular artwork suits Earth Day and marine conservation themes in elementary and middle school art classes and homeschool lessons.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “My grade 3/4 students did this activity and it turned out so amazing!!!! It was one of my favorite art activities that I did this school year! Students loved the guided instructions but all decorated them differently.” Mandy- K.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)
- Teacher Lesson Plan with learning objectives, required materials and teaching guidance
- Step-by-Step Guided Drawing Worksheets for the shell, head, fins and body details
- Pattern Design Instructions for dividing the shell into sections and filling them with zen doodle lines, shapes and patterns
- Background Design Instructions for the flowing ocean-inspired swirl shapes
- Coloring and Painting Instructions for using oil pastels and watercolor together for a resist effect
- Example Artwork Poster to project or print when introducing the project
- Student Assessment Rubric for craftsmanship, creativity, effort and completion of the artistic process
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN
Students practice drawing marine animals with accurate proportions, explore zen doodle pattern design and decorative line work, and learn how artists use pattern, line and texture to create interest. They experiment with an oil pastel and watercolor resist and reflect on Earth Day and protecting ocean wildlife.
It fits Earth Day lessons, ocean and marine life units, pattern art projects and mixed media activities, and suits teachers looking for a mindful, detail-focused project.
FAQ
Who can use this resource?
Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers looking for an Earth Day or ocean animal art project.
How is it taught?
Demonstrate the drawing process while students follow the step-by-step guides, then have them finish with oil pastels and watercolor paint.
How long does this project take?
Most classes finish 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, art educator and curriculum designer whose art lessons are used by teachers and homeschool families around the world. She was featured as the cover educator in OCO Magazine and has appeared on NBC LX. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS
★★★ “This is a great resource that I will use in my middle school classroom!” Kendra B.
★★★★ “Loved this art project!! Clear directions and very easy to follow.” Kristen T.
★★★★ “Very cute, used during virtual learning. I loved the step by step.” Sarah F.
★★★★ “great resource” Mark B.
★★★★ “Awesome project!” DONNA H.
★★★★★ “THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN AND BY FAR MY FAVORITE ART ACTIVITY!” AZ D.
★★★★★ “Great resource! I appreciated the step-by-step instructions as well, so that I was able to help my students draw and stay with us through every step!” Katie F.
★★★★★ “Great activity. Students (and staff) love these!” Barbara J P.
TERMS OF USE
This resource is licensed for single classroom use only.
YOU MAY: use this resource with your own class. Additional licenses must be purchased for multiple teachers.
YOU MAY NOT: share, distribute or upload this resource to shared drives or websites.
Thank you for supporting independent educators and artists.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic