Autumn Art Lesson Mushroom Art Project Fall Art Activity Autumn Forest Artwork

This Autumn Mushroom Art Project is a mixed media fall lesson for grades 2 to 5. Students create a layered forest scene with tree trunks in the background, a textured woodland floor in the foreground and a bright mushroom focal point, using several materials and techniques.

Along the way, students explore layering, resist painting, contrast, texture, color, composition, and foreground and background. The bright mushroom pops against the darker forest, so the finished pieces have a lovely woodland autumn feel and look striking on a bulletin board. It works for art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool families and sub plans.

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 a Mushroom Page
• 1 Art Reflection Writing Page
• 1 Artist's Statement Page
• 1 Autumn Mixed Media Mushroom Poster Page
• 24 Step-by-Step Instruction Pages

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students work with oil pastel, paint, collage-style layering and resist techniques to build a full scene rather than a single drawing. Grades 2 to 5 are ready for a project with more steps and more visual richness, and they still love a seasonal theme.

The lesson also shows how artists use contrast and focal point. The darker forest setting makes the mushroom stand out, which gives students an important visual concept to learn while making something creative and approachable.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a seasonal art lesson with strong visual support for grades 2 to 5.

How can I use it?

As an autumn art lesson, woodland art project, forest themed art activity, homeschool art lesson or sub plan. The step-by-step pages guide students through the full process.

How long does it take?

Often 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, pace, class behavior, drying time and how many of the 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.

TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “My students loved this art project! The steps were easy to follow. The projects turned out great.” Megan D.

★★★★ “I loved using this resource with my students! I like that she has provided rubrics as well as student self-evaluations.” Jessica M.

★★★★ “My students loved this resource! Thank you.” Tracey W.

★★★★★ “These turned out really nice in my grades 1-4 classroom. We did it over 2 or 3 periods.” Kimberly K.

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 clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. 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