Value Pumpkins and Crayon Batik: A Fresh Take on a Classic Lesson

Well, what do we have here? A simple idea with a creative twist! We made value pumpkins paired with a crayon batik background, giving our artwork a bold, vintage vibe. I did offer just straight up value techniques for those students wanting to differentiate from the lesson.

Here’s the twist: the pumpkins were drawn using only shading and black outlines, focusing on value to create depth. For the background, we added texture and color with a crayon resist technique. Some students wanted to try their own ideas, and I said, “Go for it!” The results were unique and so much fun to see.

What We Used:

• 12 x 18 or 9 x 12 white paper
• Sax watercolors
• Crayons
• Black Sharpies
• Drawing pencils
• Stumps for shading

How It Came Together:

1. Value Pumpkins:
   Students sketched pumpkins, focusing on shading with black crayons to create highlights and shadows. The sharpie outlines gave the pumpkins a bold, edgy look that really stood out.

2. Crayon Batik Background:
   For the background, we used crayons to draw swirls, dots, or any fun design. Then, we painted over the whole piece with watercolors, letting the crayon resist the paint and create a beautiful texture.

3. Adding a Personal Spin:
   Some students wanted to put their own spin on the lesson. Whether it was adding extra details, unique designs, or playful color choices, their creativity brought extra personality to the project.

Why We Loved This Lesson:

These value pumpkins and crayon batik backgrounds were not only fun to make but also a great way to explore shading and texture. The edgy, vintage look added a fresh vibe to a classic fall theme. Plus, the flexibility of the project meant every student’s work was unique!

How would you take this lesson in a new direction? Share your ideas with us—we’d love to hear them!

Happy Thanksgiving! 1969