Talking Turkey with Elements of Art

As Thanksgiving approached, our classroom was filled with vibrant creativity and lively discussions about art. To celebrate the season, we explored the elements of art through a fun, quick, and colorful lesson: drawing turkeys! The medium? Markers—a perfect choice for bold, eye-catching designs.

The Process

Students began by reviewing the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, value, space, and form. We talked about how these elements are the building blocks of any artwork. Then, the challenge was set: create a unique turkey using at least three elements of art in intentional ways.

Each student approached the project with their own vision:

• Some used lines to create intricate feather patterns, giving their turkeys a sense of rhythm and movement.
• Others played with color, blending warm autumn hues or using complementary colors for contrast.
• Texture was simulated with detailed marks to make feathers feel soft and fluffy, while some explored space by creating overlapping elements to give their turkeys depth.

The use of markers encouraged bold and decisive choices, helping students focus on clarity and confidence in their designs.

End-of-Class Critique

The highlight of the lesson was our critique session. After the drawings were complete, each artist had a chance to share their work with the class. They explained which elements of art they used and why:

• “I used curvy lines in the feathers to make them look like they’re swaying in the wind.”
• “I wanted my turkey to stand out, so I chose bright colors for the body and darker colors for the background.”
• “The overlapping feathers were my way of showing space, like how real turkeys’ feathers layer on top of each other.”

This reflection not only encouraged thoughtful communication but also allowed students to learn from one another’s artistic decisions.

Why We Loved This Lesson

This turkey-themed project was the perfect way to wind down before the holiday break. It combined art-making with critical thinking and gave students a chance to celebrate their creativity with their peers. Plus, the bright and colorful turkeys now add a festive flair to their portfolios!

Happy Thanksgiving from our art room to yours! 1969

How do you use the elements of art in your own projects? We'd love to hear about your creative process! Drop a comment below.