Discover Art in Nature (Flex)

It's time to explore how art and nature go hand in hand. In this 8-week flex class we'll learn all about artists that were not only inspired by nature, but also used nature in their art pieces. Each week learners will have access to an interactive Nearpod lesson presenting a new artist, their art pieces and the weekly art challenge project. While completing this Nearpod learners will have the opportunity to participate in games, activities and community collaborative "bulletin boards" with their classmates where they can share their thoughts on that week's artist. To increase learner engagement, YouTube and teacher created videos will be imbedded into the Nearpod with stop points to encourage learners to pause and think about what they are learning. Learners will also have the opportunity to participate in a weekly scavenger hunt with a new theme each week. Learner engagement with other learners will be achieved by posting and commenting on each other’s completed art projects in the Outschool classroom. 

We'll start the class by learning a bit about the Elements of Art- line, shape, value, color, texture, space, and form. These elements will continue to be reinforced throughout the entire course.

Week 1: Andy Goldsworthy, mandala art project and patterns scavenger hunt. Learners will use mainly items found in nature to create a mandala but may also use found items in their home.
Week 2: Richard Shilling, found art creatures, name art and ABC scavenger hunt. Learners will be encourage to make creatures (bugs, animals, etc) using items found in nature.
Week 3: Patrick Dougherty, stick art and types of line scavenger hunt. Learners can use sticks found in nature or craft (popsicle) sticks to create art structures.
Week 4: Nils Udo, water art and a find and sketch scavenger hunt. Learners will use leaves, flowers or other items found in nature to make art in puddles. Don't happen to have puddles at that time, no worries! You can do the same thing using large bowls of water, pieces of paper, feathers and other items around the house.
Week 5: Edith Meusnier, contemporary fiber art (string art) and texture scavenger hunt. Learners will use string and other common household items to make art pieces that can be displayed outside.
Week 6: Georgia O'Keefe, salt dough pottery and shapes scavenger hunt. Learners can use any dough they wish to create a piece of pottery. Instructions for salt dough will be provided.
Week 7: Wassily Kandinsky, rock art and nature color wheel scavenger hunt. Learners can use rocks found outside to paint concentric circle inspired rock art using acrylic paints or sharpie markers.
Week 8: Fibonacci, explore mathematical Fibonacci sequence, "snail" art and "snail" scavenger hunt. Learners will use basic art supplies to create a Fibonacci art piece and head outdoors to find examples of the Finonacci sequence in nature.

Learners will need to have access to Nearpod to complete the lessons. Learners will also have the opportunity to play a Kahoot game to practice the elements of art.