Art Classes: Level II

Level II-Art Lesson 14: The Mermaid From Denmark

Learn to use color and details to make one element of a picture stand out from the rest

The lesson is suitable for students in grade 3 through adult.

 

Art Lesson Description:

People around the globe, from ancient times to the present, have been telling stories about mermaids—

  • Columbus reported seeing them on his voyages.
  • Welsh people tell about mermaids who cause trouble.
  • The Chinese say that when mermaids cry, their tears turn to pearls.

However, the most famous mermaid story is probably the one told by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Little Mermaid.” The fame of that story inspired a statue in the Copenhagen harbor, and even a special Danish coin. Our lesson on mermaids is based on the Danish coin. It’s simple design is easy to draw, and the fact that the mermaid is facing away from us removes any worry about what she might be wearing!

Students will draw the mermaid and create a simple background (the coin includes some helpful suggestions for what to put in the background). After that, students will:

  • Outline the mermaid with black glue (a simple recipe is included!)
  • Learn to use color and details to make the mermaid the focus of the picture, and
  • Use what they have learned to paint the mermaid with oil pastels and watercolors.

This lesson includes both POWERPOINT and VIDEO versions of the lesson plus 2 downloadable printouts: a warmup and a drawing of the mermaid.

 

Learn Watercolor Techniques for Beginners HERE.

 

List of Supplies for Each Student:

 

Suggestions for Cross-Curricular Connections:

Literature:

Geography:

History:

Recipes for Danish Cuisine:

 

Approximate Time to Complete the Art Class:

  • Drawing the picture: 20 minutes
  • Making and applying black glue: 25 minutes + 1 hour to let it dry
  • Using watercolors and oil pastels to color the picture: 30-45 minutes
  • Total time: 75-90 minutes

 


Original Image
Original Image
How to Draw
How to Draw
A Finished Drawing
A Finished Drawing

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Bundle II-C (Online Art Lessons for Kids | ArtAchieve)
ENTIRE Level II (Online Art Lessons for Kids | ArtAchieve)

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