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:
- Pass out the watercolor paper taped to cardboard. Write name on the painter’s tape.
- 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.
- 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.
- Paint the seahorse body a variety of colors, blending each color into the next.
- Using a small brush, paint the fins on the back of the seahorse’s body.
- 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.
