Summer Art Project Desert Cactus Art Lesson Landscape Art Activity
Let’s explore the beauty of desert landscapes with this Desert Cactus Art Project! In this art lesson, students will create a vibrant cactus-themed landscape using soft pastels and watercolor paints while exploring the Element of Art: Space. This project focuses on depth and perspective through techniques like overlapping, placement, and size variation to give their artwork a stunning, realistic look.
Perfect for Elementary and Middle School classrooms or homeschool families looking for an exciting hands-on art experience that incorporates desert landscapes and creativity!
VIDEO ART LESSON
This is a video art lesson. Your download includes the lesson plan and printable pages, plus a "Watch the Video" page with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “My students loved this project!” Sara Chadwick
★★★ “We used this Art project as part of our unit on biomes. The results were stunning! I did source out some pictures for students to reference as they were drawing different types of cacti and desert animals. Maybe this is something that could be included in this resource?” Irene J.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE?
This all-in-one art lesson is packed with everything you need for a smooth and engaging experience!
Video Art Tutorial: Let the step-by-step video guide your students through the entire project. Perfect for easy teaching, just hit play!
Lesson Plan: Two pages covering materials, learning outcomes, goals, and a detailed "Teacher Does/Student Does" guide.
Step-by-Step Drawing Handout: Ensures students feel confident and successful while creating their masterpieces.
Assessment Tools: Includes a rubric for marking, student reflection worksheets, and an Artist Statement template.
Display Tools: A bulletin board sign and a finished example are included to showcase student work.
Why You’ll Love This Resource
Engaging Content: Students explore desert landscapes and learn how to create depth and perspective on a two-dimensional surface.
Hands-On Techniques: Combines soft pastels, watercolors, and collage-style techniques for a dynamic and creative art-making process.
Quick Prep for Teachers: Designed for busy teachers and homeschool families, this resource saves time while ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
Perfect for Homeschoolers: Offers step-by-step instructions that make it easy for parents to lead engaging art lessons at home.
How to Prepare
- Gather the materials listed in the lesson plan ahead of time.
- Review the step-by-step video tutorial or handout to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Print the handouts (such as the step-by-step guide or rubric) and make copies for students.
- Use the poster sample to hook your students’ interest by showing them the beautiful artwork they will create.
Recommended Materials
Soft Pastels/Chalk Pastels
Watercolor Paints and Brushes
Thick White Paper
Black Felt Markers
Scissors
Glue
How to Use
- Introduce the Project: Begin by showing the poster sample and discussing the desert theme and the Element of Art: Space (overlapping, size, and placement).
- Demonstrate the Process: Use the video or handout to guide students through each step of the art-making process.
- Create the Artwork: Encourage students to explore their creativity while following the structured steps.
- Reflect and Assess: Have students complete the reflection worksheet and Artist Statement to connect their learning to their artwork.
- Display with Pride: Use the included bulletin board sign to create a stunning display of your students' completed artwork!
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This Desert Cactus Art Project is perfect for:
Art Teachers teaching grades 3-8
Homeschool families looking for an easy-to-follow, engaging art activity
General Educators incorporating art into cross-curricular lessons
Anyone wanting to bring desert landscapes to life through creative expression!
In This Resource, You’ll Find
- Video Art Tutorial (step-by-step and easy to follow)
- Lesson Plan (detailed and teacher-friendly)
- Step-by-Step Handout for students
- Rubric for Assessment
- Art Reflection Worksheets
- Artist Statement Template
- Bulletin Board Sign for displaying work
WHAT YOU GET WITH THE MEMBERSHIP
- Access to a library of lessons with detailed plans, handouts, assessments, and tutorials.
- Time-saving resources that give you freedom and flexibility in your teaching.
- New lessons added monthly for fresh ideas and ongoing inspiration.
Copyright Information
This is a non-editable resource. Use it in your classroom or homeschool environment for years to come!
YOU MAY
- Use this product in your own classroom or homeschool for multiple years.
- Purchase additional licenses for school-wide use.
YOU MAY NOT
- Use this on platforms like Outschool.
- Share or distribute this resource with others.
- Post it on blogs or websites.
Let’s bring the desert to life in your classroom with this creative and engaging art lesson!
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.
Images and Lessons are Copyright Products
YOU MAY
For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.
Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like
By additional licensing for school use.
YOU MAY NOT
Use this on OutSchool
Put on your Blog
Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.
Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic
FILES YOU WILL DOWNLOAD
- Desert Landscape Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip: the lesson plan and printable pages (PDF), plus a "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial
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