Mr. Lawson Art Teacher

Students explored art history through a creative Pastiche assignment by recreating famous paintings using simplified geometric shapes and layered paper techniques. This project helped students strengthen skills in shape recognition, composition, color relationships, proportion, and visual problem-solving while encouraging them to analyze how artists build images using basic elements of art.

For grades 6–12, assignments like this support critical thinking, creativity, fine motor development, and artistic interpretation while introducing students to famous artworks in an engaging, hands-on way. Students also learn how contemporary artists can reinterpret classic works through their own style and perspective. 🎨

Scratch art helps Kindergarten students build fine motor skills, creativity, and hand-eye coordination while encouraging curiosity and self-expression. As students create different types of lines—straight, curved, zigzag, and wavy—they learn important art concepts while strengthening control and focus. Students also explore line as one of the 7 elements of art, helping build a foundation for future artistic learning. The excitement of scratching away color to reveal hidden designs makes art engaging, hands-on, and fun.

Josef Albers was an artist and teacher best known for exploring how colors interact and change depending on what colors are around them. Introducing K-5 students to Albers helps build creativity, observation skills, and confidence in experimenting with color. His artwork shows children that art is not just about drawing objects — it’s also about feelings, perception, and discovery through simple shapes and color combinations. 🎨

Zentangles are simple, repetitive pattern drawings that encourage creativity, focus, and relaxation through mindful art-making. Teaching meditative Zentangle lessons in K-5 art helps students build concentration, fine motor skills, confidence, and stress-management techniques while showing children that art can be both creative and calming. ✏️🌀🎨

3D cardboard self-portraits help K-5 art students explore creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression while learning about shape, texture, form, and sculpture techniques. Using recycled materials encourages imagination and environmental awareness, while self-portrait projects help children build confidence and celebrate what makes them unique as artists and individuals. 🎨📦

Reflective name writing activities in K-5 art education help students explore symmetry, creativity, and personal identity while strengthening fine motor and design skills. These projects encourage children to see themselves as artists by turning something familiar — their own name — into unique and expressive artwork. 🎨✏️

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her colorful self-portraits and artwork inspired by her life, culture, and emotions. Teaching K-5 students about Frida Kahlo encourages self-expression, creativity, and confidence while introducing children to diverse artists and cultures. Her art helps students learn that their own stories, feelings, and experiences can inspire meaningful artwork. 🌺🎨

Learning about Hispanic heritage through art helps K-5 students build cultural awareness, empathy, and appreciation for diverse traditions and perspectives. Exploring Hispanic artists, colors, symbols, and storytelling encourages creativity while helping children understand how art connects people, history, and community. These lessons also help Hispanic students feel seen, valued, and represented in the classroom. 🎨🌎

Day of the Dead art is often associated with colorful sugar skulls (calaveras), papel picado, marigolds, masks, and vibrant symbolic designs that celebrate and honor loved ones who have passed away. Teaching Day of the Dead-inspired art in K-5 classrooms helps students explore culture, symbolism, color, pattern, and tradition while building respect and appreciation for Hispanic heritage and global celebrations. 🎨💀🌼