Students got a lesson about big cats, some of its distinctive characteristics and fun facts. Then they choose one to sketch (lion, cheetah, puma, panther, tiger, lynx) and I directed the sketch to grade 3 students. Older classes can make their own sketches using real pictures. Using visual finders (lesson here) gives unique results.
Once they were happy with their sketches, they outlined using a black crayon (stripes, rosettes, spots and eyes were outlined and colored with the crayon too). They then proceeded to watercolor. Once the paint was dry, they cut out some leafs (flowers and even fruit) to add to the paintings, and finally they added shades and detail using oil pastels to enhance both their animals and the leafs. Emphasize the use of lighter and darker colors for this. We used dark brown and black where we needed some shading, and white and light yellow where we wanted to add light.
While working on this lesson, we talked lots about the needs of wild cats, their habitat and endangered animals, we talked about what we can do to keep them safe or contribute somehow to their well being. Using less plastics, not wasting food and planting more trees were common comments between grade 3 students.
1st Class Art 
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