Oil Pastel Turtles

Oil Pastel Turtles

Description: This turtle project was easy to teach and to let students be creative with. First, the teachers instructed the students to fold a paper in 6 sections. Then, the teacher had us use 6 strategies with oil pastels. These strategies included heavy and light pressure blending, color mixing, stippling, scumbling, and sgraffito. These strategies are all found in the turtle example above. Students are then instructed on some easy ways to draw the turtle feet, head, and tail. They can divide their turtle into whatever sections they like, and they can use their knowledge of color, technique, and design to create a unique product.

Extension: This project could be extended by doing a lesson on ocean wildlife in connection with the sea turtle. The students could also use this for fish scales designs. The teacher could discuss the marine habitat and the needs and behaviors of the animals that live there as the students work on their fish scales oil pastel project. This one would take longer as there are many scales on a fish, so the students would be able to get into a rhythm, and practice each of these techniques many times.