Principles of Design Art Lessons Unity Variety Art Projects Worksheets Art Unit

Ready to spark creativity and dive deep into the Principles of Design: Unity and Variety? This engaging and comprehensive Unity & Variety Art Unit is perfect for teaching upper elementary and middle school students how to identify, apply, and create artworks using these essential design concepts. With a video presentatios, informational handouts, mini art challenges, and three full-length art project tutorials, this unit helps students explore how artists achieve visual harmony and interest using repetition, contrast, and compositional strategies.

This all-in-one resource includes step-by-step guided slides, printable lesson plans, rubrics, bulletin board signs, and self-reflection tools that make teaching a breeze and learning fun. Whether you’re an art specialist, classroom teacher, or homeschooling parent, you’ll find everything you need to build an inspiring art curriculum rooted in the principles of design—without the prep-time stress!

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

Lesson 1: Introduction to Unity & Variety

• Video Presentation on the Principles of Unity & Variety
  
• PDF Slide Deck for teacher-led instruction
  
• Student Handouts with definitions, visual examples, and space for note-taking
  

Lesson 2: Mini Art Challenge

• Lesson Plan with clear steps
  
• Two Art Templates for student experimentation
  
• Step-by-Step Handout for student guidance
  

Lesson 3: Art History & Famous Artworks

• Art History Handout featuring examples of Unity & Variety in iconic works
  
• Note-taking and Analysis Worksheets
  
• Lesson Plan for art history discussion
  

Full-Length Art Project Tutorials (3 Projects):

Art Project #1: Van Gogh Sunflowers Mixed Media Art

• Explore Unity & Variety in composition
  
• Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflower series
  
• Students create vibrant, layered mixed media artwork
  

Art Project #2: Cezanne Still Life Art

• Focus on shape variety and color unity
  
• Based on Paul Cezanne’s still life paintings
  
• Students explore form, shape, and composition
  

Art Project #3: Sea Turtle Mixed Media Art

• Combines textural variety and compositional unity
  
• Perfect for ocean or Earth Day-themed units
  
• Includes collage and painting techniques
  

Each Art Project Tutorial Includes:

• Full Lesson Plan with outcomes, materials, and steps
  
• Step-by-Step Drawing & Art-Making Handouts
  
• Bulletin Board Sign for displaying student work
  
• Rubric for assessment
  
• Student Self-Reflection & Artist Statement Templates
  

How to Use This Resource:

• Teach as a complete art unit or pull individual lessons as needed
  
• Adaptable for in-person, virtual, or hybrid instruction
  
• Great for general education, art classes, homeschool settings, and substitute plans
  
• Integrate into your full Elements & Principles of Art Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can use this resource?
A: This unit is designed for general classroom teachers, visual art educators, homeschool families, and substitute teachers looking for a ready-to-go, creative unit that teaches core design principles through art.

Q: How can I use this in my classroom or homeschool?
A: Project or print the lessons and follow the step-by-step guidance to introduce each concept. Use the videos or slides to guide instruction, then dive into the mini challenge and art projects with your students for hands-on application.

Q: How long will this unit take to complete?
A: Each art project typically takes 2–3 class periods depending on student skill level, engagement, class behavior, and instructional pacing. The introductory and history-based lessons can be completed in 1 class session each.

Want to try my lessons first? My Free Art Lesson Library is a great place to start.