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Multi Media Winter Birch Trees

5

Painting birch trees is a perennial favorite in art rooms. And for good reason. They’re easy, accessible and impressive.
I thought this take on the standard birch trees was equally as pretty.

I believe I found the idea on Artsonia, but shame on me, I forgot to note the art teacher.

Supplies:

– White 12″ x 18″ Sulphite drawing paper (1 per student)
– Tissue papers in warm and cool colors
– Mod Podge mixed with water
– Brushes
– Black cake watercolor
– Strips of white sulphite paper (see sidebar for brand name)
– Glue sticks
– Scissors

Creating the background
After a discussion on warm and cool colors, the children chose which temperature they preferred. Choosing only those colors, the children tore the tissue paper into small scraps and adhered them to the top of the paper using Mod Podge. Tip: brush both the paper and then again on top of the tissue to make sure it sticks well.
I encourage the kids to brush the tissue paper flat; no bunching.
Most important part of this step is to create a smooth line of tissue paper across the page. If the tissue paper has dents and cuts, it won’t look like a horizon line.

Making the Trees
Using scissors and scraps of white sulphite paper, cut long strips of curvy–not straight–trees. Vary the dimensions. Make sure no straight edges remain.

Painting the Trees
Using black watercolor cakes, demonstrate how to vary the intensity of the black paint using water. With a watery “gray”, run a strip of paint along one side of the trees, going from top to bottom.
Glue the trees to the paper, varying the distance from the bottom that the trees are placed (closer to the bottom, the closer the tree). Make sure the kids extend the trees right off the top of the paper.
Tip: The shadow side of the tree needs to be consistent.
Now, using a very small brush, paint black lines (use little water here) going around the trees for the bark

Creating Shadow
Using a medium intensity black paint, brush “shadows” from the base of the trees to the bottom of the page.

birch-tree-art-project


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  • Ms.TeacherCreature

    What grade did you try this with? Love it!

  • Anonymous

    Thank you so very much for posting your lessons! I absolutely love them and they are successful in the classroom! I always seem to find something new that excites me on your site! Thank you for sharing with other art educators!!!!

  • Ms. Rakowicz

    Fabulous!

  • Ali Burns

    Thank you!! I love this lesson and plan to try it soon!

  • Jayne

    Wow, I really love this and can’t wait to try it. I’ve checked out your site and it is exactly what I have been looking for . Thanks so much!

  • Julie

    Oh SUCCESS!! I am so thrilled. We were able to complete this project *using a cool palette* to complement our home school study of Robert Frost. We added the book illustrated by Susan Jennar and all the children had a wonderful art piece to add to their home school portfolio. See the smiles and success at http://holiday-kids-crafts.com/learning%20craft%20robert%20frost%20birch%20tree%20art%20lesson.html
    The child shown is my own self proclaimed un-artistic six year old. WHAT a BOOST of confidence!! I can’t thank you enough. I am excited to try more and more art projects!

  • Natalie ammanoeiel

    Love the trees

  • Patty

    Like this different way to birch tree art.

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