Exploring Nature Through Clay: A Texture-Focused Art Lesson Plan

This lesson focused on the fascinating realm of texture. Our classes follow the National Art Standards, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of creativity. Scroll on down to see the created beautiful slab-rolled clay pieces adorned with stamped-in nature-inspired textures with pine branches.

Our main Objectives:

• Understand and apply the National Art Standards.
• Explore the elements of art, with a special emphasis on texture.
• Create unique ceramic pieces using slab-rolled clay and stamped-in nature textures.
• Enhance the texture through the use of crayons and oil pastels.

Materials:

1. Clay
2. Slab Roller
3. Examples
4. Past Blog Post
5. Stamps with nature designs (pine branches, leaves, etc.)
6. Rolling pins (if needed)
7. Crayons
8. Oil pastels
9. Kiln for firing
10. Positive Attitude

Lesson Plan Steps that were followed:

1. Begin by discussing the elements of art, specifically focusing on texture. Show examples of textured artwork to inspire creativity.
2. Demonstrate how to roll out clay into slabs using rolling pins and slab roller. Discuss the importance of even thickness for consistent results.
3. Distribute stamps with nature designs and guide students in stamping their clay pieces. Encourage creativity and experimentation with different textures.
4. Introduce basic ceramic vocabulary related to the process, such as "slip," "bisque firing," and "glazing." Glazing can be done in many different ways.
5. Cover the clay pieces on the Brentwares cart with a trash bag. Let sit until they are leather hard. Uncover and allow to become greenware. Once they the pieces become greenware – load them in the kiln.
6. Fire in the kiln 04 on slow.
7. Now for adding the color. Instruct students to use crayons to add color to the stamped textures, emphasizing the raised areas. This will create a visually interesting effect.
8. Further enhance the texture by using oil pastels. Show students how to highlight specific details and create depth through shading.
9. Guide students in cleaning their workspaces. Discuss the firing process and explain that their pieces will be kiln-fired to achieve a durable finish. This will help when they enter into middle school knowing the basic clay techniques and terminology.
10. Wrap up the lesson by having students reflect on their creations. Discuss the importance of texture in art and how nature-inspired elements added a unique touch to their pieces.
11. Once the pieces are complete, consider displaying them in a gallery-style setting within the school to showcase the students' creative accomplishments. We use our Instagram account to showcase our art by keeping a running story throughout the week.
12. Send home wrapped in a bag and preferably using bubble wrap.

This texture-focused art lesson is a good one and creates keepsakes for the students to take home and enjoyed by all family members.  By combining ceramic techniques, nature-inspired stamps, and the elements of art, students have not only created visually stunning pieces but have also gained a deeper understanding of the world of texture in art. Love for these students to keep exploring and expressing their creativity in clay. Special thanks to Cathy Hicks for letting us share her collaborative lesson.

Check out this blog post for other versions of this same lesson plan idea:

Exploring Nature Through Clay: A Colorful Adventure!

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