Autumn Art Lesson Leaf Art Project Fall Art Activity Autumn Leaves Art Project

This Autumn Leaves Art Project is a bright fall lesson where students create bold mixed media leaves floating across a swirling autumn sky. It is designed for grades 2 to 5 and works for art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool families and sub plans.

Students use paint, paper and oil pastel. They first make their own colorful leaf paper, then paint a spiral sky background, cut out large leaves and assemble everything into one finished autumn composition, adding details with pastel. The bright warm leaves stand out against the cool blue sky, and the finished pieces look great on fall bulletin boards.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Full Lesson Plan Page with overview, materials, big ideas, learning target, inquiry question and competencies
• 1 Teacher and Student Steps Page
• 1 Art Rubric Page
• 1 Art Project Reflection Page
• 1 Example Artwork Page
• 1 How to Draw Autumn Leaves Page
• 1 Art Reflection Writing Page
• 1 Artist's Statement Page
• 1 Autumn Mixed Media Leaves Poster Page
• 16 Step-by-Step Instruction Pages

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students explore layering, movement, composition, seasonal color, collage, color mixing through overlap and visual contrast. The spiral sky and floating leaves create a feeling of wind and motion.

Students in grades 2 to 5 are ready for a few more steps, and building the artwork in stages (painted paper, background, cutting, arranging and pastel details) makes the final result feel polished. The step-by-step pages make it easy to guide students through the process.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers working with grades 2 to 5.

How long does this art lesson take?

Often 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, pace, class behavior, drying time and how many reflection pages you use.

Does it include reflection and assessment pages?

Yes. It includes an art rubric, an art project reflection page, an art reflection writing page and an artist's statement page.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★ “Love the mixed media concept and process of this lesson” Adrianna V.

★★★★★ “My students enjoyed this art project.” Lynda K.

★★★★★ “Very clear instructions and easy to teach.” Amy K.

★★★★★ “Wonderful resource!” Debra W.

★★★★★ “Such an awesome art project! My kids loved it and they turned out beautiful. Thank you!” The H.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. For clip art, you may use the images as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic