K-3 Pond Study Turtle Pictures

As a pond study got underway for the k through 3 classes, the students spent time in art class observing and sketching the science room turtle. With the turtle sitting in a tank in the middle of the art room tables, the students closely observed and commented on the shapes, colors and textures they noticed. After discussing what they saw, the students took pencil to paper and began sketching the turtle while still looking at him. Next class began with a viewing of educator Ron Berger's video called "Austin's Butterfly", where Berger guides young students through the process of constructive critique. The students then took another look at the turtle sketches from last class with an eye toward helpful critique that would prove useful as they began drawing and painting larger turtles emphasizing pattern and texture on the shell.

Observational drawing..what are you noticing?

Focusing on that turtle

Working from a photo

Figuring out what part to draw next

Getting the shell shape on final paper

Shell patterns

The bottom edge is curved

Emphasizing the pattern with Sharpie

Two turtles on this one

Checking that the color is right before painting the turtle