Let's Paint an Abstract Tree!
In this one-time class, we'll have fun painting a colorful tree in an abstract style from a unique perspective.
Susan Garrison
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(71)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
No prior drawing experience needed because I'll be leading each child step-by-step through this fun abstract style painting project. We'll have a little chat about trees and beautiful colors we are seeing this season as we introduce ourselves and get settled in at the beginning of class. Then I'll show them some of my tree paintings (both abstract and realistic ones), so we can take a look at the similarities and differences and even the perspective view points before we launch into our tree painting. We'll discuss the basic parts of a tree as we paint and I'll encourage student participation as we learn more about how to create perspective even in an abstract style. Students will have many choices throughout the lesson including their color preferences, but I'll give them creative tips to think about as they make their decisions as well as demonstrate each step of our process. Students will enjoy the creative surprises as they unfold during their painting process. I'll share my best tips with them as we paint together, and we'll look at each other's paintings several times throughout the lesson to celebrate our progress and encourage each other.
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the differences in types of acrylic brushes, a painting technique that lends itself to the abstract style specific to this piece, and how to create a three dimensional yet unique perspective to keep the view interesting. They will also learn about what makes this painting abstract instead of realistic.
Other Details
Supply List
1 ACRYLIC PAINT SURFACE: 8" x 10" or 9" x 12" White Canvas (the type that has primed (coated white) canvas stretched over a wooden frame & stapled to the wood on the back is my preferred type - you'll also be able to find some that are stapled to the side of the wood frame. (Other options listed below would work well, too.) Options instead of the Stretched Canvas listed above: Canvas Panel or Canvas Board (not as thick as stretched canvas & feels more solid like the canvas is mounted/glued to a stiff cardboard) OR a piece of Acrylic Canvas Paper that usually comes in a pad of multiple sheets. ACRYLIC PAINTS: (not tempera, not watercolor, not oil) I suggest as least 1 ounce of several different colors (Basics include Blue, Red, Yellow, White & Black plus Green, Orange, Purple & Brown if possible although your child may not choose to use all of the colors.) Thicker Acrylic Paints in Tubes are best for this project. Try to avoid using plastic bottles of thin paints that sound watery when shaken. PAPER PLATE to use as a paint palette. (Optional to use a plastic paint palette instead or even a disposable pie tin) ACRYLIC PAINT BRUSHES in a variety of sizes. Include large, medium and small size ROUGH Flat Brushes (looks like a square on the tip but bristles are rough and a little prickly to the touch. Also include a couple of very small SMOOTH Acrylic Brushes (1 very small Round brush like a pencil tip shape and 1 slender Flat Square Shape) WATER in a metal can, plastic cup or glass jar. PAPER TOWELS Please also see the attached photo to see examples of both rough and smooth acrylic brushes. Please avoid brushes that have bristles that bend when wet - those are for watercolor instead of acrylic. Firm brushes are best for acrylic.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
5.0
71reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University (Bachelor of Science Degree in Educ: Art K-12 & Elem 1st-8th grades)
Hi, I'm Susan Garrison, a professional artist who also loves teaching kids! I've been drawing & painting all my life and teaching children for the past 3 decades. After earning my BS Degree in Art Education K-12 from Middle Tennessee State University, I've enjoyed teaching children 2D & 3D art lessons at my own art studio, online, and in public and private schools in grades K-12 in Tennessee and South Carolina. One of my specialties has been curriculum development at each of those schools. On weekends, my husband and I even work as a team to DJ weddings and receptions.
I love breaking art projects down into bite-size pieces of simple lines & shapes for children as I lead them through the lesson step-by-step, while still encouraging options along the way so that every piece is unique. Choosing a variety of my classes will help your child develop skills and techniques for creating realistic pieces as well as tap into & build upon the beauty of his or her imagination & creative mind. My class offerings include a variety of styles & use many types of art tools & surfaces. Some classes focus on famous artists & their styles to inspire our artwork. Blending those experiences help form a well-rounded young artist.
I delight in helping children enjoy the whole creative process that leads to a lifetime of creativity and not just the end results of a single painting. A child's imagination is valued greatly and will be encouraged in our lessons.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
75 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-6 learners per class
