School-aged kids will slow down to examine the details of nature in this fun project. This nature study can easily be completed at home, in the classroom, or outdoors!
Why Study Nature?
Nature studies are a great hands-on way to learn more about the world around us. There are many beautiful shapes and colors to explore in the natural world. Nature study art can be approached in many different ways, such as:
- In a scientific manner where a flower is dissected while the artist draws and labels each portion of the flower.
- As a way for artists to practice various drawing techniques or mediums.
- View and draw the object from different angles to practice drawing skills such as perspective, shading, and details.
Related: Fill your Art Journal with nature drawings!
Supplies Needed to Make a Nature Study Art Project
- Flowers, Pinecones, Seeds, etc.
- Watercolor Paper
- Pencil
- Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
- Watercolor Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towel
Directions to Make a Nature Study Project
Step 1
To begin, lightly sketch the object (flower, pinecone, leaf, etc.) from nature onto watercolor paper. Use basic shapes (such as circles, squares and triangles) to quickly block in the shape before adding details.
Step 2
Next, begin to examine the finer details of certain aspects of the object. If studying a flower, pinecone, etc. consider pulling the object apart to better view individual pieces. Fill the area surrounding your first drawing with multiple views of the object and these focus areas.
Tip: This is a wonderful time to label details that you notice about the object. Noting these observations on your paper not only adds to your study, but it provides you with the information you need to complete the project at a later time, if needed.
Step 3
Once your study sketches are complete, use a fine-tipped permanent marker to finalize sketches and notes. Erase any unwanted pencil lines.
Step 4
Then, use watercolors to paint your sketches and add finishing details to your study.
Step 5
Finally, loosely paint a background color to complete your nature study project.
Finished Nature Study Art Project
I love taking the time to study nature up close! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Nature Study Art Project
We love nature studies because they are a great way to intertwine science and art. Kids are encouraged to examine flowers, identify, and label it’s individual characteristics. This is a wonderful way to easily keep kids focused while learning through this hands-on approach.
Kids are also encouraged to go outdoors for this study. If weather permits, complete the project outside. If not, you can easily bring flowers or bits of nature indoors.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
30 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Flowers, Pinecones, Seeds, etc
- Watercolor Paper
Tools
- Pencil
- Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
- Watercolor Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towel
Instructions
- Lightly sketch the object (flower, pinecone, leaf, etc.) from nature onto watercolor paper. Use basic shapes (such as circles, squares and triangles) to quickly block in the shape before adding details.
- Examine the finer details of certain aspects of the object. If studying a flower, pinecone, etc. consider pulling the object apart to better view individual pieces. Fill the area surrounding your first drawing with multiple views of the object and these focus areas.
Tip: This is a wonderful time to label details that you notice about the object. Noting these observations on your paper not only adds to your study, but it provides you with the information you need to complete the project at a later time, if needed.
- Once study sketches are complete, use a fine-tipped permanent marker to finalize sketches and notes. Erase any unwanted pencil lines.
- Use watercolors to paint sketches and add finishing details to the study.
- Loosely paint a background color to complete your nature study project.
Notes
Nature Study Art Variations
- Turn a sketchbook into a nature journal where you can press flowers and leaves between the pages of your art.
- Practice using other mediums to complete your studies such as colored pencils, crayons, or charcoal.
- Bring along a camera to photograph objects (such as animals) that tend to move too quickly for this type of study. Artists can later refer to the reference photos for art projects.
Nature Study Art Variations
- Turn a sketchbook into a nature journal where you can press flowers and leaves between the pages of your art.
- Practice using other mediums to complete your studies such as colored pencils, crayons, or charcoal.
- Bring along a camera to photograph objects (such as animals) that tend to move too quickly for this type of study. Artists can later refer to the reference photos for art projects.
Other Fun Nature Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy drawing items from nature? What did they choose to focus on in this project?