Top 5 Favorite Art Lesson Plans and Art Resources for Teachers & Homeschool

Let’s dive in on my Top 5 Favorite Art Lesson Plans and Resources so that way you can get inspired for new art lesson and project teaching ideas for back to school or to include in your curriculum or scope and sequence so you can plan art like a pro! If you’re like me, you probably love to feel organized with a general idea of what you plan to teach in the upcoming school year. Infact, my favorite thing is to plan my Back to School during the LAST month of school before I go out on vacation, so I can use all that time off to really recharge my energy, health, and mindset. Teaching is such a draining profession and I am a huge advocate for teachers using time away from school for them (and I know there isn’t enough of that because so many are marking and planning at home).

Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links, which means I get a commission should you make a purchase.

So to help you get inspired for the upcoming school year, I am going to cover my Top 5 Favorite Art Lesson Plans, Art Projects, and resources so you can feel extra inspired for the new school year. I will also introduce you to myself, incase we haven’t met before!

About Me, Ms Artastic!

Hi, I’m Kathleen McGiveron—but in the art world, you probably know me as Ms Artastic! I’m an artist, educator, and creator of all things colorful, clever, and creativity-fueled. My mission? To bring the joy of art into classrooms and homes everywhere so kids can unlock their imaginations and explore their unique artistic voices. I believe every child deserves the chance to feel like an artist—because they already are! With over a decade of experience designing art lessons for teachers and homeschool families, I’ve made it my life’s work to take the stress out of teaching art and replace it with wonder, confidence, and a little bit of Ms Artastic magic.

Art has been in my bones for as long as I can remember. I grew up painting, drawing, and creating for hours on end—sometimes with nothing more than a pencil and scrap paper. Those endless creative hours shaped who I am today and taught me that art is not just a subject; it’s a way to see and interact with the world. Now, as an adult, I’ve been lucky enough to turn that passion into a career where I get to empower teachers, parents, and kids alike to embrace their inner artist. My lessons aren’t just about techniques—they’re about building creative confidence and helping kids discover their own artistic style.

Along the way, I’ve been featured on NBC LX News and built an incredible global community of educators and families through my Ms Artastic YouTube channel and podcast. I share art lesson ideas, teaching tips, and inspiring stories to help teachers bring more creativity into their classrooms without feeling overwhelmed. I know firsthand how hard it can be to plan engaging lessons with limited prep time, supplies, and energy (hello, art on a cart teachers—I see you!). That’s why I pour my heart into every resource I make, ensuring they’re low-prep, high-engagement, and flexible for any setting—whether you’re teaching a whole class or just one little artist at the kitchen table.

When I’m not designing art curriculum or recording videos for Ms Artastic, you can usually find me out in nature with my sketchbook in hand. I love using my adventures in the mountains, forests, and by the ocean to inspire new art lessons that connect kids with the world around them. I believe art should be accessible, inclusive, and represent all people, cultures, and stories. That’s why I work to create lessons that celebrate diversity and give kids the tools to explore identity and expression through art. It’s not just about drawing or painting—it’s about helping the next generation build empathy, courage, and creative thinking skills that they’ll carry for life.

At my core, I’m an artist who never stopped believing in the magic of making. And through Ms Artastic, I want to help you believe too. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or someone just starting their creative journey, I’m here to cheer you on and make art feel fun, doable, and essential. So grab your pencils, paints, and a little curiosity—because together, we’re going to make artastic things happen!

Elements of Art Worksheets and Art Projects for the YEAR

This is one of my all time favorite art resources because you can make it as big or as small as you’d like, it has all the classic Elements of Art printables so you can teach them easily, and it includes a wide variety of art project ideas for each of the elements of art. This art resource can be used to plan your entire scope and sequence, or just keep it on hand as your art sub plans for the year (so you don’t have to plan for a sub!) or for you maternity leave.

Another great use of this art resource is using it for Art on a Cart instruction because a lot of the lessons don’t specify mediums so you can use it however you want and make the artworks as big as a completed full artwork, or as small as a sketchbook assignment. This is so flexible that you can make this resource work for your classroom or homeschool program however you’d like.

This art resource is a BEST SELLER and has over 429 teacher ratings. I honestly put my heart and soul into making this resource something that is useful from start to finish for educators, and because each lesson includes a lesson plan, it makes for easy planning for you.

If you’ve ever wished for a complete, stress-free art curriculum that teaches the 7 Elements of Art all year long—this is it. With 60 fully planned lessons, you’ll have everything you need to guide your students through Line, Shape, Form, Color, Value, Texture, and Space with confidence and ease. Whether you’re in a bustling art room, managing a mixed-grade classroom, or teaching homeschool art, this resource will keep kids engaged, learning, and excited about creating from start to finish.

This isn’t just another set of worksheets—it’s a full art program designed to make your year run smoothly. Inside, you’ll find creative sketchbook activities, hands-on art projects, and skill-building exercises that help students not only learn about the Elements of Art but also apply them in meaningful ways. Each lesson is carefully crafted to spark imagination, support technical growth, and build artistic confidence in every child—whether they’re just starting out or already love art.

With lessons organized into clear sections for each element, you can follow a year-long sequence or pick and choose to fit your teaching plans. The flexibility makes it ideal for classroom teachers, art specialists, and homeschool parents alike. Bonus posters and coloring pages also make it easy to reinforce learning visually and brighten up your teaching space!

Teacher-Approved! Here’s What Educators Are Saying:

♡ “Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for your hard work that makes my work so much easier!” — Christine T.

♡ “I am using these with homeschoolers. I love the organization, and there is just enough instruction. My kids are loving art this year. Thanks!” — Janet C.

♡ “What a brilliant resource—thank you so much! You have saved me so much time. The effort that has gone into this resource is outstanding. Well worth the money!” — The Resource Teacher NZ

You can find this Elements of Art Resource by clicking here!

Graffiti Name Line Art Project for Back to School

So let’s talk about my Graffiti Name Line Art Project because honestly… it’s one of my absolute favorite ways to start the school year. You know that first week when everyone’s still settling in, learning names, finding seats, and you’re just trying to keep the vibe calm but also fun? This project is perfect for that.

It’s basically a mash-up of zen doodles, graffiti-inspired bubble letters, and bright, bold color—and the kids go wild for it. They get to design their name in big, chunky letters (don’t worry, I give them a scaffolded handout for drawing bubble letters so even your little perfectionists won’t panic), and then they fill the whole thing with different line patterns and textures. Think stripes, waves, zig-zags, spirals—whatever they can dream up.

The best part? Once they’ve got all their lines and patterns done in crayon, we layer over the whole thing with washable markers for that gorgeous wax resist effect. The colors just pop, and the whole class ends up with these vibrant, personality-packed artworks that scream “this is ME!” It’s a total win for identity and self-expression in those first few days.

I also love that it doubles as a sneaky little Elements of Art lesson. You can introduce (or review) line in a super hands-on way without kids even realizing they’re learning art vocabulary. And because it’s low prep—you’re literally talking pencil, crayons, markers, and some handouts—you can focus on building classroom community and getting to know your students. Plus, they make amazing bulletin board displays for Meet the Teacher Night or Open House. Parents walk in and see a whole wall of their kids’ names in vibrant graffiti style, and boom—they’re impressed.

I’ve done this with everything from Grade 2 to early middle school, and it works every single time. Even the kids who “don’t like art” get into it because, well… it’s their name. It feels personal and cool, and there’s enough room for them to make it as chill or as detailed as they want.

At 170 amazing reviews on this art lesson plan, you can’t go wrong and you can start the year knowing you’ll have an amazing first week of art lesson ready to go. You can find this artwork tutorial by clicking here.

Color Theory and Color Wheel Worksheets

My next favorite is my color theory and color wheel art resource, and it is one that is another one of those “must-have” art resources for your classroom. Like the essential “basic” art lesson worksheets and printables you need to teach at the start of the year, but that can be used in a range of contexts from classroom use, to art on a cart, to homeschool. Some of the pages in this art resource are also great to use as sub plans because they are self-explanatory and an art sub can’t mess them up!

This resource also includes a really great color wheel template- something I think that all art classes should start with at the start of the year, no matter what grade. Even if it means kids repeat them year after year. Mixing colors (hues, tints, and shades) is essential to making art, color theory, and mixing colors. The more you practice it and understand it, the better your art will be and you can make any of your own colors.

This art resource includes the following pages:

Color Theory Workbook Pages:

Title Page
What I Already Know Brainstorm
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Complementary Colors
Value + Value Scales
Mixing Tints, Tones, and Shades
Hue/Shade/Tint Color Wheel
Analogous Colors
Monochromatic Color
Warm and Cool Colors
Neutral Colors
Still Life Coloring Activity for Tints/Tones/Shades
Color Theory Write & Draw Student Reflection
#FavoriteColor Instagram Worksheet
Peer Feedback: 3 Stars & a Wish
Student & Teacher Evaluation Forms

You can find this color theory and color wheel art resource by clicking here.

Elements of Art Lessons and Activities

My Elements of Art Lessons and Activities are another best selling resource and let me just say… this is both a time saver and a life saver. If you are looking for a clear and concise way for students (grades 1-4, but you can click here for the version for older students (grades 5-8)) to learn about, understand, and practice each of the 7 Elements of Art (Color, Value, Line, Shape, Form, Space, and Texture) then this is the resource for you.

I love this art resource because it is easy to prep and easy to teach. Basically you just have to photocopy it and it is so self-explanatory that you can just work through it with your students and they can become pro’s at understanding each of the elements of art!

You know how sometimes you just need an art lesson that’s meaningful, flexible, and doesn’t require you to haul out a million supplies or prep for hours? That’s exactly why I created my Elements of Art Workbook.

This little gem has become my go-to for teaching the building blocks of visual art—Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space, Value, and Form—and it’s honestly a lifesaver whether you’re in the art room, a regular classroom, or teaching your own kids at home.

Each element gets its own mini-lesson with a super simple informational page (so kids are learning why it matters) and then—my favorite part—open-ended art prompts and hands-on activities. It’s not just “fill in the blanks.” It’s creative exploration. Students get to actually practice with real art-making, experimenting with whatever materials you have on hand. Crayons? Sure. Markers? Go for it. Watercolors? Even better. Total teacher choice.

I also love how adaptable it is. For littles, I model a lot and let them loose with crayons and big bold shapes. With older students, we dive into more detailed conversations about how artists use these elements in their work and let them bring in mixed media.

And because I know we all need a sanity saver during busy weeks, this workbook is literally grab-and-go. No crazy prep. Just print the pages you need, and you’ve got a ready-made unit on the Elements of Art that doubles as sketchbook practice, sub plans, or even a full-on art curriculum if you need it.

This Resource Includes (Non-Editable PDF, American English):

Title Page for booklet formatting
Rubric for simple, skill-focused assessment
KWL Chart (Know, Wonder, Learn) for student inquiry
Final Reflection Worksheet for end-of-unit wrap-up

Each Element of Art Includes 4 Pages: (Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space, Value, and Form)

1 Page of Information about the Element
1–2 Exploration or Mini-Activity Worksheets
1 Art Prompt Page for students to demonstrate understanding through creativity

And of course, you can find this must-have best selling art resource by clicking here!

OR if you need the version for older students, you can find it by clicking here.

Art Curriculums for Elementary or Middle School

Finally, my last recommendation is to get yourself an art curriculum. I have two of them that focus on the Elements of Art though themes for each grade, one that is a K-5 Art Curriculum, the other is a Middle School Art Curriculum (or if you just need a K-8 Art Curriculum Membership, click here to join the Artastic Collective Art Curriculum for extensive art curriculum needs!).

I’ll be honest—planning out a whole year of art for multiple grades can feel like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming paintbrushes. That’s why I created my Middle School Art Curriculum and K-5 Art Curriculum.

For middle school, I wanted something that felt fresh and exciting—not the same Elements of Art worksheets over and over. So I built a full year of engaging projects for Grades 6–8 that hit all the big concepts: Elements of Art, Art History, and even artist-inspired pieces that actually hook kids in. It’s all organized by grade level with full unit plans, step-by-step demos, and even video introductions (because sometimes you just need a moment to sip your coffee while the video sets the tone).

Some of my favorite middle school projects in the bundle?

The Surrealist School Supplies back-to-school art project—super fun and gets kids thinking outside the box.
The Jean-Michel Basquiat Skull Art lesson, because middle schoolers LOVE that bold, graffiti-like style.
And of course, the Gustav Klimt Expectation Art Project, which turns into an amazing display piece for hallways.

You can peek at all the details here: Middle School Art Curriculum Bundle.

Now for K-5… oh wow. This one was born out of needing a whole lot of structure when I first started teaching multiple elementary grades. I mean, teaching kindergarten right after a 5th grade class? Two completely different worlds. So I built a system where every grade has its own Elements of Art unit plus themed projects that tie into seasons, holidays, and famous artists.

The K-5 Art Curriculum has become my go-to because it’s flexible. You can use crayons, markers, watercolors—whatever you have on hand. And it works beautifully for classroom teachers, art teachers, and even homeschool families.

Here are a few K-5 favorites that always make my students light up:

Picasso’s Rooster art lesson (so bright and fun for lower grades)
Ancient Greece Vase Project for upper elementary—it’s a great cross-curricular tie-in.
Alma Woodsey Thomas Inspired Paintings, which are absolutely gorgeous hanging in the hallway.

Want to see what’s included? Here’s the full breakdown: K-5 Art Curriculum Bundle.

I love that both curriculums take away the stress of planning. You literally just print, prep your materials, and you’re ready to go. I use the step by step tutorials all the time—they’re lifesavers when I have to step out and leave plans for a sub.

So if you’re juggling multiple grades (or teaching art off a cart), having something like the Middle School Art Curriculum or the K-5 Art Curriculum means you can finally stop reinventing the wheel every week.

Need a full Art Curriculum for the needs of Teaching Kindergarten to Grade 9?

When I created the Artastic Collective Art Curriculum, I wanted it to feel like a one-stop shop for teaching art all year long. Whether you’re teaching K-9 in a classroom, running an art program, or homeschooling your own kiddos, it gives you everything you need to confidently bring art into your schedule without that overwhelming “what do I even plan this week?” feeling.

The Collective is loaded with lessons that cover the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, seasonal projects, artist studies, and cross-curricular connections. It’s organised by themes and grades, so you know exactly where to start no matter what level you’re teaching.

One thing I love is how it balances skill-building with creativity. Students aren’t just copying projects—they’re learning to express themselves, make artistic choices, and develop confidence in their creative abilities. And because each lesson includes step-by-step instructions, either visual demos or even videos, it’s perfect for teachers who don’t feel like “art experts” but still want to offer a high-quality art program. It’s even sub-friendly (because we’ve all had those surprise sick days).

For homeschool families, the Artastic Collective feels like having a full visual arts program at your fingertips. You can pick and choose projects that align with your child’s interests, or work through an entire scope and sequence to build foundational art skills year after year.

In the end, whether you’re using the Middle School Art Curriculum, the K-5 Art Curriculum, or the Artastic Collective Art Curriculum, it’s all about giving yourself the gift of time and your students the gift of creativity. Teaching art doesn’t have to feel stressful or overwhelming—with the right tools, it can actually feel joyful and inspiring (for you and your students).

Conclusion

So that’s it! I hope you learned a little bit about me. I hope you return to my blog or watch a YouTube video, or even listen to me on my podcast and can now walk away with a little more insight into who I am so that I’m not just a random face. In addition, I hope you got some inspiration for art lessons to teach this year in your classroom or homeschooling program.

That’s all!

-Kathleen, Ms Artastic

Recommendations:

If you’re looking for resources to help you plan or teach either at home or in your classroom, then check out these resources to help you get ahead!

🖌️Streamline your lesson planning! Get on the waitlist for the Artastic Collective Art Curriculum, a treasure trove of resources designed to empower art educators: https://www.artasticcollective.com/membership

✏️Sharpen your teaching skills! Join the Art Teacher Academy for professional development specifically designed for art educators: https://www.artasticcollective.com/artteacheracademy

🖍️Need engaging art lessons? Explore the Art Project Membership library to find creative resources for Teachers and Homeschooling Families: https://www.artasticcollective.com/artproject

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