Botanical Illustrations

The Grade 3 & 4 students were busy with observational illustrative artworks during their First Unit: How the world works. The unit of study examined p how plants and animals adapt to their environment in order to survive and to reproduce. The students had the opportunity to experiment and improve their drawing and painting skills using a trans disciplinary approach to the unit. 

The students had time to practice their artistic skills on cacti, plastic eggs and pears, orchids, apples and strawberries. The students had the opportunity to use different art mediums including different kinds of pencils, pen, watercolor paints and pastels (with baby oil). In the drawing projects the students used different shading techniques to help make their illustrations more creative and give it a sense of 3-dimensionality to the different subjects. The students were very studious and brought their best in this special project. The classroom was specifically prepared for this shading project. The blinds had to be closed and the lights had to be shut down. Special adjustable lanterns were provided to give suitable lighting.  

The students were very observant and focused on the forms of the chosen subjects. They successfully replicated their forms onto the paper. The students have shown that they were independent thinkers and inquirers. They were also risk-takers in embarking on this new challenge in art class.