Abstract Apple Art Lesson Collage Apple Art Project Back to School Art Activity

This abstract apple art lesson is a mixed media project that combines collage, painting and oil pastel. Students build a bold background from ripped primary color paper, layer expressive paint marks over top, then create a loose abstract apple on cardboard with oil pastels, cut it out and glue it onto the final composition.

It works for classroom teachers, art teachers and homeschool educators who want to introduce several techniques without overwhelming students. It is a strong fit for Back to School, and also suits an apple theme, an autumn art activity, a mixed media unit or a lesson on collage and composition.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was an excellent resource to get to know my third grade students. The students really enjoyed this activity.” Heather B.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Artastic Art Lessons Intro Page with prep and teaching guidance
• Lesson Plan Page 1: focus, materials, big ideas, learning target, competencies, inquiry question and a preview of the finished art
• Lesson Plan Page 2: a step-by-step Teacher Does / Student Does sequence
• Art Rubric for execution, creativity and originality, evidence of process, and responsibility
• Art Project Reflection Page with teacher and student scoring and feedback space
• Example Artwork Page
• Art Reflection Page where students identify the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in their piece
• Artist Statement Page
• Poster or Title Page
• 16 Step-by-Step Tutorial Pages with visual and written directions from the ripped paper background to the finished, glued-on apple

HOW TO USE IT

Show the example artwork as your hook, then project the PDF or demonstrate the lesson yourself and print the handouts students need. Students rip red, blue and yellow construction paper and glue it around the page without overlapping too much, then add several paint colors over top in expressive marks.

On scrap cardboard, they make the apple with red oil pastel, add blue shading, green chunks, yellow highlights and a green stem and leaf, then use black oil pastel for shadow and outline. Finally, they cut out the apple and glue it onto the painted collage. The bright results work well for Meet the Teacher nights and Back to School bulletin boards.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a colorful mixed media lesson with step-by-step support.

What materials are needed?

Pencil, eraser, black felt, acrylic or tempera paint, card stock, various construction papers, oil pastels, a paint brush, water and scrap cardboard for the apple.

What art concepts are taught?

Mixed media, collage, abstract art, primary colors, painting, oil pastel layering, composition and the Elements of Art: line, shape, space, texture, color, form and value. Students also practice reflection and artist statement writing.

How long does this lesson take?

Usually 1 to 2 classes, depending on student age, class length, drying time and how much time you spend on reflection and artist statements.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “Helpful resource!” AZteacher49

★★★★ “Great resource!” TallTeachinInFlatsChic

★★★ “Cute, colorful, and abstract! Love the variety/mixed media” 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, educator and resource creator who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured educator on the cover of OCO Magazine for the October 2025 edition. She 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 the clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and 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