Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own artwork of North Carolina trees using different techniques and styles.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: paper, pencils, crayons or colored pencils, watercolors (if available)

No prior knowledge is required, just bring your creativity!

Activities

• Go outside and observe the trees in your area. Notice the different shapes and sizes of the leaves and branches.

• Sketch a tree that you find interesting. Focus on the details of the bark and the leaves.

• Create a colorful drawing of the tree using crayons or colored pencils. Add in the details you observed.

• If you have watercolors, try painting a tree using different shades of green for the leaves and browns for the trunk.

Talking Points

• "Trees are important because they provide us with oxygen to breathe. They also give us shade and homes for animals."

• "Each tree is unique, just like how each person is unique. They come in different shapes and sizes."

• "Did you know that trees have rings inside them that show how old they are? It's like a tree's birthday calendar!"

• "When drawing a tree, pay attention to the details like the texture of the bark and the different shapes of the leaves. That's what makes your artwork special."