Leaf Patterns, Pumpkins and Watercolor

For this project we did a mix of shapes and designs. Even with the asymmetrical and random shape of leaves, it is still challenging for kids to draw them and have them look like real leaves. So, the answer is simple. Go outside, scoop up a few different shapes and trace them! Nature gives us the best templates…so use them!

We traced the leaves on watercolor paper like they had fallen from the trees and then separated them by drawing lines between them. The shapes and lines were traced again with a black Sharpie. Before filling in the leaves and the backgrounds, we talked about warm and cool colors and how effective their paintings would be using reds, yellows and oranges for inside the leaves and the purple and blues around them.

Other groups did variations on this using the same methods. Some groups were asked to add patterns and design to separate sections of leaves and pumpkins. They could leave some of the areas white where they added designs with the Sharpie or they could add a word or family name.

I loved the finished product each group created. A perfect combination of colors, graphics and Fall!

Skills Required:

Tracing Pattern

Re-tracing in Sharpie

Filling in shapes with watercolor

Designing pattern