Art Lesson for May 4-8

Gyotaku - The art of fish printing.  This lesson is for students K-3.



Instead of using fish to make our art project, we will use our shoe and make a rubbing.

 Step 1:  Gather supplies.  You will need broken, peeled crayons, white paper, and a shoe with a cool looking bottom.

Step 2: Choose two crayon colors that are related (next to each other on the color wheel).  I picked orange and yellow.  You can use purple and red, blue and green, etc. Place the paper on top of the shoe bottom.  Hold it tight, don't let is slip around or it will ruin the design! Color with the SIDE of the crayon.  Don't move the paper!  Then color with the SIDE of the other crayon so the two colors mix.

Step 3: Using one of the same colors, draw fins and a tail.  The heel of the shoe becomes part of the tail.

Step 4: Using the same colors, color in the fins and tail.

Step 5: Add details like the fish's eye and mouth.  Color water around the fish.  Add seaweed to the bottom.  You can even write your name in a red rectangle or circle so it looks like a Japanese stamp.  What else can you add to your fish picture?

Step 6:  Smile and send Mrs. Peterson a picture of you with your fish!