Nature Landscape

 Activity:

In this art activity, students used layering and mixed media techniques to design a unique landscape scene. Each student started with two pieces of construction paper - the base sheet and one to create their chosen landscape shape. After sketching and cutting out their landscape silhouette (such as mountains, hills, dessert cactus, or underwater scenes), students set it aside to build their background. 

Using the full sheet of construction paper, students applied clear paint and layered small pieces of colored tissue paper to create expressive, colorful backdrops. These backgrounds represented a variety of scenes, including northern lights, underwater settings, and sunsets or sunrises. Once dry, students used watercolor pastels or white crayons to add details such as start, light reflections, or secondary designs. Finally, they glued their cut-out landscapes onto the background to complete the composition and signed their name to personalize the piece. 

Extension Activity:

As an extension of the tissue paper landscape collage, students will create a series of two or three additional artworks that represent different times of day or seasons of the year. Using the same mixed media process - tissue paper layering, landscape silhouettes, and pastel details - students will explore how color, light, and atmosphere change depending on the environmental setting. For example, a winter night scene might include cool blues and purple with snowflake-like accents, while a summer sunset might have warm oranges and soft shadows. This activity allows students to build on their artistic skills but also connects to science concepts such as the Earth's rotation, seasonal cycles, and the way sunlight interacts with the atmosphere. By observing and reflecting on how light and color vary in nature, students gain a deeper understanding of both artistic expression and natural phenomena.