MR. SEAHORSE


LESSON PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONS

COLOR

  

MR. SEAHORSE

Lesson Objectives: Students will learn about color from the iconic author/illustrator Eric Carle and his book Mr. Seahorse.

Time Required: 1 session (or 2 if you want to add glitter. This small step can be easily combined with another lesson.)

Artist:  Eric Carle, Mr. Seahorse (children’s book)

Source: Deep Space Sparkle

Website: http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2011/05/23/mister-seahorse-art-project/

Materials:

9 x 12 watercolor paper taped to cardboard with painter’s tape

Watercolors

Paintbrushes, large and small

Water

Dishes for water

Paper towels

Crayons

Optional: Glitter and Elmer’s glue

Presentation:

Read Eric Carle’s Mr. Seahorse. Discuss his use of bright colors in his illustrations.

Procedure:

  1. Pass out the watercolor paper taped to cardboard. Write name on the painter’s tape.
  2. Using a directed line drawing, have students draw a seahorse that fills the page. Go over pencil lines with crayons, adding an eye and fins.
  3. Paint the background using greens and blues. Show students how to blend colors. The crayon will resist the watercolor, making it easier to keep the paint out of the seahorse body.
  4. Paint the seahorse body a variety of colors, blending each color into the next.
  5. Using a small brush, paint the fins on the back of the seahorse’s body.
  6. OPTIONAL: On Day 2, have students “draw” with the tip of a bottle of Elmer’s glue an outline around the seahorse and some swirls on the seahorse’s body. While the glue is wet, have a parent sprinkle the glitter on the wet glue for the student. Shake off excess glitter and let dry. This step can easily be done in combination with another lesson.