Lesson Plans
The Allied Arts Education Project Teaching Artists have put some of their classroom workshops into at-home tutorials that we hope you’ll find helpful. Just like our lessons in the classroom, many of these tutorials not only touch on how to make art, but tie in with other lessons like science, history or physics. Happy arting!

Creative Composition – Not a Drawing Class
Main Idea
In Art, Composition is the way you arrange things in your picture – or whatever else you’re making!. The Composition makes a HUGE difference in what people think when they see it. Let’s learn to get creative with your Compositions.
Examples: Same drawing, just different compositions.
Your Turn
Find a simple outline shape of something and cut it out to use as a pattern. Cutting it out of heavy paper or light cardboard makes it
easier to trace. Find something simple. Old coloring books are good.
Don’t worry about fancy drawing now. That’s not what this lesson is about. It’s about making your Compositions more creative, remember?
Make new Compositions by tracing the pattern in different arrangements. Make at least three different Compositions on different papers. Try for five, or even ten. (Working with a partner sometimes helps. Sometimes not.)
Tips:
- It’s okay if your subject goes off the edge of the paper. You still know it’s a cat, even if you only see half of it.
- Learn to draw things overlapping. Trace the thing you want in front first. Start tracing the thing you want to be behind it. Stop when you come to the front thing.
- Pictures are generally more interesting if the subject is Doing Something. Running, sleeping, sniffing, laughing, . . . .
Take Your Picture to the Next Level
- How many different compositions can you make?
- Ask different people to write captions for them.
- Add different backgrounds. Day/night. Inside/outside. Undersea/in the city.
- Use a copy machine to make the pattern in different sizes. Use them together. Old/young? Far away/near by?
- Add some details. Give a dog a bone.
- Now add color!
Creative Composition Takeaways (What I hope you learned that will make all of your future artwork better.)
Any time you do some Art:
- Arrange the characters in an interesting way. Imagine different compositions before you start.
- Have your characters doing something. If you asked someone, “What’s happening in this picture?, what would they say?
SCIENCE AND ART LESSON Energy and your brain
- Exercise with relaxation Energy and your brain
- Carbohydrates provide energy to your brain and the cells in your body. The front of the human brain is larger than any other animal’s, even the dinosaur’s!
- The left side of your brain is usually better at problem solving, math and writing. The right side of the brain is creative and helps you to be good at art or music. If you are right handed you use the left side of your brain more and opposite with left handed people.
- The brain stores all sorts of things in the memory including facts and figures and all the smells, tastes and things you have seen, heard or touched.
- Some ways to help keep energy in your brain active and healthy are:
- Eating healthy food like fish and fresh vegetables provide the building blocks for a healthy brain. And carbohydrates that give you the energy along with other foods can be found in apples, bananas, grapes, raisins. These also give you extras such as vitamins and minerals.
- Complex carbohydrates come from food like bread, cereals, pasta and veggies like corn, potatoes and carrots. They give you energy more slowly so it lasts longer and they have heaps of vitamins and minerals, which your body needs.
- Exercising your brain by learning new things and trying to remember them. Getting plenty of sleep.
Right brain and left brain: Materials needed: blank paper, pencil, markers One way to exercise your brain and create the movement of energy is to use both sides of your brain. You may be right or left handed…Today we are going to use both sides to the brain. The more your stimulate the other side of your brain (called the non-dominant side) the more easily you’ll learn a variety of skills. So if you brush your teeth with your right hand, try it with your left hand. If you hold your fork in your left hand, try the opposite. Mandalas are an ancient art form found in all parts of the world. Since the design is balanced on both sides it can create a peaceful sense in your brain balancing both sides. First we will create a design on the blank paper of what you think your brain energy looks like. It must have some type of motion or movement. It creates and electrical stimulus to your muscles. have fun creating a design with your dominant hand. Take a couple minutes. Now take your non dominant hand and create the same idea on the other side of the paper. Mandalas are an ancient art form found in all parts of the world. Since the design is balanced on both sides it can create a peaceful sense in your brain balancing both sides.
For hundreds of years, people have harnessed moving air (wind) to do work. The earliest forms of wind-powered machines were sailboats. Wind pushing against the sails of a boat provided the energy to move the boat across the water, saving people the trouble of rowing. Later, people discovered that if they attached sail-like panels to a wheel at the top of a stationary tower, wind blowing against the panels would cause the wheel and the central shaft to which it was attached to turn. The shaft drove mechanisms inside the tower that were used to mill, or grind, grain into flour. And even though wind-driven machines are now also used to pump water from wells and to generate electricity, the name windmill has stuck. Here’s a little more about how we harness the wind today. Today we are going to create paper airplanes that will fly with the use of wind. Supplies needed: markers printed paper designs – use Paper Airplane design simple or Paper Airplane design fancy scissors Instructions:
- Use the markers to color the printouts or make your own design on a plain piece of paper.
- Use one of the tutorials found here to fold your paper airplane, use scissors to cut your paper down if needed
- Go outside and fly them! (but be sure to pick them up when you’re done!)
SCIENCE AND ART NORTHERN LIGHTS / AURORA BOREALIS
- Exercise with deep breathing x 1 minute.
- Today we are going to create pictures of the aurora borealis. The sun is 93 million miles away. It sometimes creates great solar storms and sends gusts of particles across space. When they reach planet earth our magnetic field and atmosphere react and give out light similar to neon lights. The northern lights begin their performances. They can appear as sheds of light or curtains but also arcs and spirals.
- Watch this video on YouTube about the Northern Lights for inspiration.
- On black construction paper first use white oil pastels in gray or white. Create some horizontal lines across the bottom the page for mountains and dots for stars. Now use colorful chalk pastels to create your northern lights. These can be bleneded and smudged to create interesting patterns.
Warm up exercises. Deep breathing and shoulder hand and neck exercises. How energy gets things done. To move and to do work you must have energy. You must eat healthy, get plenty of exercise and rest to produce energy. The type of energy we are going to focus on today is called kinetic energy—energy due to motion. All moving objects have kinetic energy. This is what puts things in motion. For instance, think of bowling. The energy in our bodies sends a bowling ball racing towards the pins providing it with lots of kinetic energy to hit the bowing pins. Also think of the sun and how it keeps all the planets in the solar system in motion. These planets aren’t falling into the sun. It’s their kinetic energy that keeps them in their orbits . Today we will look at the work of Keith Haring an artist of the 1970s and 80’s. He grew up in Philadelphia with his parents and 3 sisters. When he was young 6-7 he would sit with his father and watch him create cartoons. Keith was also interested in cartoons and began drawing them himself. In his late teens he began creating graffiti on walls in the subways and on buildings in New York. He was fascinated with the idea of motion as we’ve been talking about. So most of his work appears to show movement. Watch this video on YouTube about Keith Haring’s work to get inspired. Today we are going to create some Haring type characters. When drawing your characters think of them using kinetic energy to move. Materials needed: Pencil Thick Paper or cardboard Aluminum Foil Permanent Markers in various colors
- With a pencil draw some characters in movement. Think of a story they might tell. You may add other symbols, landscapes and backgrounds as you wish but keep them simple.
- Wrap a piece of cardboard or thick paper with aluminum foil. With the foil it is important to not press too hard when doing the next part of this art work as you don’t want to tear the foil. Place your drawing on top of the foil and trace over it with your pencil. Be sure to keep your hand on the paper so it doesn’t move and don’t lift your paper until you’ve drawn over the entire drawing as you will lose your place and it will be difficult to place it back directly.
- Now take the aluminum foil and with a black marker outline the design you’ve transferred.
- Fill in characters with felt pen colors using the style of Keith Haring.
- After completing that part now create some motion designs, and complete the outside of your design in any manner you like. The characters may be outside, in the forest, or inside.
- Place your names and dates on the back of the foil.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following videos are hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
The following video is hosted on YouTube and may be removed without notice.
Rachel Simpson
BIO SOON TO COME
Teaching Experience
TEACHING EXPERIENCE SOON TO COME
Teaching Philosophy
PHILOSOPHY SOON TO COME
Lesson Plans
Exploring Natural Wood Finishing Techniques
Grades: k-4th.
This engaging and hands-on course aims to introduce participants to the captivating world of wood finishing using natural materials. Through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, students will discover the art of enhancing wood surfaces and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of wood species. By exploring techniques such as staining, gilding, and patination, students will unleash their creativity and develop valuable skills in artistic expression.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Session 1:
- Differentiate between various wood species, including maple and cedar, by identifying their unique characteristics, textures, and aromas.
- Recognize and describe the concept of spalting in wood and understand how fungi contribute to spalting.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic staining techniques, using water-based wood stains, to achieve desired color variations on wood surfaces.
Session 2:
- Explore the art of gilding by applying metal sheets and other materials to wood, creating visually appealing and intricate designs.
- Practice patination techniques using brushes, rags, and other materials to develop unique surface textures and effects.
- Applying previously learned techniques, have students customize their magnetic photo board.
Number of Sessions Required: 2
Length of Each Session: Two Hours
Total Project Time: Four Hours
Janet Lehwalder

Janet is a self-taught artist who has been working on silk for years. Her work includes fine art paintings, quilted silk comforters, and some wearable pieces. Teaching is also an important part of her work. Janet teaches silk painting classes around the state in community colleges, public schools, commercial shops, her own studio, and for private groups.
Teaching Experience
Janet is an experienced classroom teacher in both public and private schools and has also provided enrichment classes in silk painting and other arts and crafts for students from kindergarten to adult ages. She offers classes where everyone designs and paints their own projects and has also organized large group projects, such as quilts and banners, that have been used for display or fundraising.
Teaching Philosophy
Janet never ceases to be amazed at the natural eye for beauty that her students express in their work. She believes that silk painting is such an easy, fluid medium that beginners are able to create beautiful pieces right from the start. Her part is to provide some basic tools, an opportunity, and the encouraging space to go ahead and experiment.
Artist Profile Video
Lesson Plans
3 Hour Lesson Plans (For Grades 1-5)
Silk Painting:
Painting on silk is fun and easy! A great way to learn color mixing and creative composition. Complete soft, lustrous artwork for play, display, or gifting. In this 3-hour workshop, students will paint on silk fabric using permanent silk dyes. Two projects are offered. You can choose “Flags,” 11” hemmed squares that can be flown like a flag, framed, or used in a variety of ways. Or “Hoops,” which are silk pieces stretched in 10” wooden hoops that are easy to hang. The whole process is demonstrated to the group, then everyone paints their own piece at their own speed. A design is traced onto the silk with a resist and then the colors are painted on with a brush. Within the resist lines, they flow and blend in beautiful and surprising ways. You can choose a theme, or everyone can just work from my giant collection of patterns.
12 Hour Lesson Plans (For 5th Grades Only)
All School Projects
Silk Banner Project:
In this permanent art installation project, each student and teacher learn to paint on silk by doing a small personal painting. Then each class designs a large banner around a theme chosen by the school. Finally, the class, in small groups, paints their banner, which is hung in the school. The banners are colorful, meaningful, and easy to hang and maintain.
Janet Oakley
Janet has loved history since she first read pioneer stories in fourth grade. She strives to bring her passion to elementary children through the arts and crafts of the time periods they study in school. Janet has a Bachelor’s degree in History, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Weaving and Textile Arts, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has written third grade social studies curricula for the Bellingham, Meridian, and Mount Baker School Districts as well as for national parks. Each year, Janet runs a historic 1891 school on Fidalgo Island for 3rd to 6th graders, bringing 19th century learning to 21st century kids. Her motto: History rocks!
Teaching Experience
Janet has over 30 years experience teaching hands-on history to students, including 11 years at the Bellingham School District’s Conservation Site, workshops in schools, and through her work as Curator of Education at the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner. She is a certified teacher and has been a substitute teacher at the elementary and high school levels since 1982. In addition to traditional classroom settings, Janet has taught in parks, at historic sites, and for all-school historic events. She has taught for Western Washington University since 1995.
Teaching Philosophy
Janet believes that children understand concepts and processes by doing them. She thinks that understanding the process of how things work or are made helps students appreciate the people they study in their history courses. Whether doing traditional food-ways, writing on a slate, making a hornbook, or deciphering a 19th century math book, students gain appreciation of craft, the patience and perseverance crafts require, and recognize craft functionality through these living history experiences.
Artist Profile Video
Lesson Plans
- Early Schools in Washington Territory
Description Early settlers took great pride in their schools. In 1861, the first public school on Bellingham Bay was started not far from the current location of the Bellingham Farmer’s Market. This living history program uses a PowerPoint presentation, artifacts, and hands-on learning stations.
Station #1Reading and Writing in the 19th century
Students use the handwriting system of the period to write on slates and work in a copy book they’ve made.
Station # 2 Measure Up
Students make a math book, figure out the “nails” measuring system, and do some problems using this method.
Station #3 Thaumatrope: A popular toy in the 1850s.
Students will make a thaumatrope, then sample replicas of 19th century toys.
Station #4 Animals of Washington state: innovative teachers in the 19th century created their own lessons on nature
In one station, students make a math book, figure out the “nails” measuring system, and do some problems using this method. In another station, students use the handwriting system of the period to write on slates and work in a copy book they’ve made. A third station allows them to create a pioneer toy. The 4th station explores identifying wildlife encountered in early Washington Territory.
Number of Sessions required 1 Length of each Session 2 hours max. The workshop can be adapted for two or more classes participating on the same day by doing a group presentation to all classes involved, followed by breakout sessions for the learning stations presented to one class at a time.
Space and equipment requirements: A computer and an LCD projector for a PowerPoint presentation. If an LCD is unavailable, an overhead projector can be used. The workshop is presented in four stations that may be in one classroom or in different rooms. A table is needed for each station.
Materials needed and cost The artist supplies copybooks, slates, a hammer, nails, string, a math book, ink, and pens. The school provides scissors and pencils. Materials cost: $45.00 for one classroom. Additional classrooms for the workshop meeting on the same day will be $20.00 more.
- Pioneers in the classroom
Description: The Homestead Act opened up the West, bringing in settlers even during the Civil War. Early settlers in Washington Territory faced many obstacles in setting up their homes. They had to
Station #1 Butter Me Up Butter was important food.
Students learn to churn and wash butter made with whipping cream and make a butter book.
Station # 2 Down on the Back Forty
Students will learn about how pioneers and homesteading, then map out their own homestead
Station #3 Bag It
Students will learn about preserving herbs and then make an herb bag
Station #4 Keeping up friends.
Students will make an autograph book
Number of Sessions required 1 Length of each Session 2 hours max. The workshop can be adapted for two or more classes participating on the same day by doing a group presentation to all classes involved, followed by breakout sessions for the learning stations presented to one class at a time.
Space and equipment requirements: A computer and an LCD projector for a PowerPoint presentation. If an LCD is unavailable, an overhead projector can be used. The workshop is presented in four stations that may be in one classroom or in different rooms. A table is needed for each station.
Materials needed and cost The artist supplies copybooks, slates, a hammer, nails, string, a math book, ink, and pens. The school provides scissors and pencils. Materials cost: $45.00 for one classroom. Additional classrooms for the workshop meeting on the same day will be $20.00 more.
Kathy Harvey
Kathy is a life-long artist, educator and caregiver. Throughout her career she has designed, directed and facilitated creative learning programs with children, teens and adults. Since making Bellingham her home, she’s found great joy supporting students and teachers through the common core curriculum by way of creative arts and critical thinking. She develops enriching lesson plans independently or in collaboration with educators as needed. By taking into account the unique and diverse needs of each school, each classroom, and each child, Kathy is able to cultivate effective and inspiring learning experiences.
Previously, Kathy has conducted after school arts programs with elementary school students during her time as an RN working in Pediatric Intensive Care Units. She has also worked as a group facilitator directing the creation of murals and various art projects with children in schools, homes, camps, including Promise2Kids —a camp for foster children. Kathy has additionally integrated arts programs into her work with hospice patients and their families.
Kathy is inspired by the friendly nature of people in Bellingham and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She still works as a painter creating custom pieces for clients near and far. In her spare time she loves being with her daughter Emilie and family, hiking, exploring, and, of course creating!
Key Skills
- TAT Certified (Teaching Arts Training)
- Creative arts integration with elementary Core Curriculum
- Acrylic painting
- Watercolor painting
- Collage with mixed media
- Pastel
- Found object collage
- Healing arts
- Group arts facilitation for all ages
- Custom art commissions
Lesson Plans For 3 Hour and 12 Hour Sessions
Bellingham Promise Creations: Students will select from a variety of provided quotations and discuss how they relate to the Bellingham Promise. They will then write their own quote or poem creation on the back of a piece of watercolor paper and respond on the front with watercolors, felt pens or chalk. They will then share and work together to create a large collage piece relating to the same subject.
The Elements through Painting and Writing: 5 elements of energy will be reviewed: light, heat, sound, motion, and electricity. We will utilize a variety of watercolors, felt pens and other supplies for warm ups and final project. Students will explore together experiences they have with various forms of energy. They will document with writing and painting with final opportunities to share.
Planes de Lecciones
Con los protocolos de COVID 19 cerrando nuestras escuelas locales, depende de los padres y cuidadores mantener algunos de esos elementos educativos (¡o al menos algo para mantener ocupados a esos niños!). Los artistas docentes del Proyecto Educativo de Allied Arts han puesto algunos de sus talleres en el aula en más tutoriales basados en el hogar que esperamos que le resulten útiles. Al igual que nuestras lecciones en el aula, muchos de estos tutoriales no solo abordan cómo hacer arte, sino que se relacionan con otras lecciones como ciencias, historia o física. ¡Feliz arte!

Composición creativa: no es una clase de dibujo
Idea principal
En el arte, la composición es la forma en que organizas las cosas en tu imagen, ¡o cualquier otra cosa que estés haciendo!. La Composición hace una GRAN diferencia en lo que la gente piensa cuando la ve. Aprendamos a ser creativos con tus Composiciones.
Ejemplos: Mismo dibujo, solo diferentes composiciones.
Tu turno
Encuentra un contorno simple de algo y recórtalo para usarlo como patrón. Recortarlo de papel pesado o cartón liviano hace que sea
más fácil de rastrear. Encuentra algo sencillo. Los viejos libros para colorear son buenos.
No te preocupes por el dibujo elegante ahora. De eso no se trata esta lección. Se trata de hacer que tus composiciones sean más creativas, ¿recuerdas?
Haz nuevas Composiciones trazando el patrón en diferentes arreglos. Haz al menos tres Composiciones diferentes en papeles diferentes. Prueba con cinco, o incluso diez. (Trabajar con un compañero a veces ayuda. A veces no).
Consejos:
- Está bien si el sujeto se sale del borde del papel. Todavía sabes que es un gato, incluso si solo ves la mitad de él.
- Aprende a dibujar cosas superpuestas. Traza lo que quieras al frente primero. Comienza a rastrear lo que quieres que esté detrás. Deténgase cuando llegue al frente.
- Las imágenes son generalmente más interesantes si el sujeto está haciendo algo. Corriendo, durmiendo, olfateando, riendo, . . . .
Lleva tu imagen al siguiente nivel
- ¿Cuántas composiciones diferentes puedes hacer?
- Pida a diferentes personas que escriban subtítulos para ellos.
- Añade diferentes fondos. Día/noche. Dentro fuera. Submarino/en la ciudad.
- Usa una fotocopiadora para hacer el patrón en diferentes tamaños. Úselos juntos. ¿Viejo joven? ¿Lejos/cerca?
- Agrega algunos detalles. Dale un hueso a un perro.
- ¡Ahora agrega color!
Conclusiones de la composición creativa (lo que espero que hayas aprendido que mejorará todas tus futuras obras de arte).
Cada vez que hagas algo de arte:
- Organizar los personajes de una manera interesante. Imagina diferentes composiciones antes de empezar.
- Haz que tus personajes hagan algo. Si le preguntaras a alguien, “¿Qué está pasando en esta imagen?, ¿qué dirían?
LECCIÓN DE CIENCIA Y ARTE La energía y tu cerebro
- Ejercicio con relajación Energía y tu cerebro
- Los carbohidratos proporcionan energía a su cerebro y las células de su cuerpo. El frente del cerebro humano es más grande que el de cualquier otro animal, ¡incluso el de los dinosaurios!
- El lado izquierdo de su cerebro suele ser mejor para resolver problemas, matemáticas y escritura. El lado derecho del cerebro es creativo y te ayuda a ser bueno en el arte o la música. Si eres diestro, usas más el lado izquierdo de tu cerebro y opuesto con las personas zurdas.
- El cerebro almacena todo tipo de cosas en la memoria, incluidos hechos y cifras y todos los olores, sabores y cosas que has visto, oído o tocado.
- Algunas formas de ayudar a mantener la energía en su cerebro activa y saludable son:
- Comer alimentos saludables como pescado y verduras frescas proporciona los componentes básicos para un cerebro sano. Y los carbohidratos que te dan energía junto con otros alimentos se pueden encontrar en manzanas, plátanos, uvas, pasas. Estos también le dan extras como vitaminas y minerales.
- Los carbohidratos complejos provienen de alimentos como el pan, los cereales, la pasta y las verduras como el maíz, las papas y las zanahorias. Te dan energía más lentamente para que dure más y tienen montones de vitaminas y minerales, que tu cuerpo necesita.
- Ejercitar tu cerebro aprendiendo cosas nuevas y tratando de recordarlas. Dormir lo suficiente.
Cerebro derecho e izquierdo del cerebro: Materiales necesarios:papel en blanco, lápiz, marcadores Una manera de ejercitar su cerebro y crear el movimiento de energía es usar ambos lados de su cerebro. Puedes ser diestro o zurdo… Hoy vamos a usar ambos lados del cerebro. Cuanto más estimule el otro lado de su cerebro (llamado el lado no dominante), más fácilmente aprenderá una variedad de habilidades. Entonces, si te cepillas los dientes con la mano derecha, pruébalo con la mano izquierda. Si sostienes el tenedor con la mano izquierda, prueba lo contrario. Los mandalas son una forma de arte ancestral que se encuentra en todas partes del mundo. Dado que el diseño está equilibrado en ambos lados, puede crear una sensación de paz en su cerebro equilibrando ambos lados. Primero crearemos un diseño en el papel en blanco de cómo crees que se ve tu energía cerebral. Debe tener algún tipo de movimiento o movimiento. Crea un estímulo eléctrico para tus músculos. diviértete creando un diseño con tu mano dominante. Tómese un par de minutos. Ahora toma tu mano no dominante y crea la misma idea en el otro lado del papel. Los mandalas son una forma de arte ancestral que se encuentra en todas partes del mundo. Dado que el diseño está equilibrado en ambos lados, puede crear una sensación de paz en su cerebro equilibrando ambos lados
Durante cientos de años, las personas han aprovechado el aire en movimiento (viento) para trabajar. Las primeras formas de máquinas impulsadas por el viento fueron los veleros. El viento que empujaba contra las velas de un bote proporcionaba la energía para mover el bote a través del agua, ahorrando a las personas la molestia de remar. Más tarde, la gente descubrió que si colocaban paneles en forma de velas en una rueda en la parte superior de una torre estacionaria, el viento que soplaba contra los paneles hacía que la rueda y el eje central al que estaba unido giraran. El eje impulsaba mecanismos dentro de la torre que se usaban para moler o moler granos en harina. Y aunque las máquinas impulsadas por el viento ahora también se utilizan para bombear agua de los pozos y generar electricidad, el nombre de molino de viento se ha mantenido. Aquí hay un poco más sobre cómo aprovechamos el viento hoy. Hoy vamos a crear aviones de papel que volarán con el uso del viento. Suministros necesarios: marcadores, diseños de papel impreso: use el diseño de avión de papel simple o las tijeras elegantes de diseño de avión de papel
Instrucciones:
- Use los marcadores para colorear las impresiones o haga su propio diseño en una hoja de papel común.
- Use uno de los tutoriales que se encuentran aquí para doblar su avión de papel, use tijeras para cortar el papel si es necesario
- ¡Sal afuera y hazlos volar! (¡pero asegúrese de recogerlos cuando haya terminado!)
CIENCIA Y ARTE AURORAS BOREALES / AURORA BOREAL
- Ejercicio con respiración profunda x 1 minuto.
- Hoy vamos a crear imágenes de la aurora boreal. El sol está a 93 millones de millas de distancia. A veces crea grandes tormentas solares y envía ráfagas de partículas a través del espacio. Cuando llegan al planeta tierra, nuestro campo magnético y la atmósfera reaccionan y emiten una luz similar a las luces de neón. Las auroras boreales comienzan sus actuaciones. Pueden aparecer como cobertizos de luz o cortinas pero también arcos y espirales.
- Mire este video en YouTube sobre la aurora boreal para inspirarse.
- En papel de construcción negro, use primero pasteles al óleo blancos en gris o blanco. Cree algunas líneas horizontales en la parte inferior de la página para las montañas y puntos para las estrellas. Ahora usa pasteles de tiza de colores para crear tu aurora boreal. Estos se pueden mezclar y difuminar para crear patrones interesantes.
Ejercicios de calentamiento. Ejercicios de respiración profunda y hombros, manos y cuello. Cómo la energía hace las cosas. Para moverte y trabajar debes tener energía. Debes comer sano, hacer mucho ejercicio y descansar para producir energía. El tipo de energía en el que nos vamos a centrar hoy se llama energía cinética: energía debida al movimiento. Todos los objetos en movimiento tienen energía cinética. Esto es lo que pone las cosas en movimiento. Por ejemplo, piense en los bolos. La energía de nuestros cuerpos envía una bola de bolos a toda velocidad hacia los bolos, proporcionándole mucha energía cinética para golpear los bolos. Piensa también en el sol y en cómo mantiene en movimiento a todos los planetas del sistema solar. Estos planetas no están cayendo al sol. Es su energía cinética la que los mantiene en sus órbitas. Hoy veremos el trabajo de Keith Haring, un artista de los años 70 y 80. Creció en Philadelphia con sus padres y 3 hermanas. Cuando tenía 6 o 7 años, se sentaba con su padre y lo miraba crear dibujos animados. Keith también estaba interesado en los dibujos animados y comenzó a dibujarlos él mismo. Al final de su adolescencia, comenzó a crear graffiti en las paredes del metro y en los edificios de Nueva York. Estaba fascinado con la idea de movimiento de la que hemos estado hablando. Así que la mayor parte de su trabajo parece mostrar movimiento.Mire este video en YouTube sobre el trabajo de Keith Haring para inspirarse. Hoy vamos a crear algunos personajes tipo Haring. Cuando dibujes a tus personajes, piensa en ellos usando energía cinética para moverse. Materiales necesarios: Lápiz, Papel grueso o cartulina, Papel de aluminio, Marcadores permanentes de varios colores.
- Con un lápiz dibuja unos personajes en movimiento. Piensa en una historia que podrían contar. Puede agregar otros símbolos, paisajes y fondos como desee, pero manténgalos simples.
- Envuelva un trozo de cartón o papel grueso con papel de aluminio. Con el papel aluminio es importante no presionar demasiado al hacer la siguiente parte de esta obra de arte ya que no querrás rasgar el papel aluminio. Coloca tu dibujo encima del papel aluminio y trázalo con tu lápiz. Asegúrese de mantener su mano en el papel para que no se mueva y no levante el papel hasta que haya dibujado todo el dibujo, ya que perderá su lugar y será difícil volver a colocarlo directamente.
- Ahora toma el papel de aluminio y con un marcador negro delinea el diseño que has transferido.
- Rellene los caracteres con colores de rotulador al estilo de Keith Haring.
- Después de completar esa parte, cree algunos diseños de movimiento y complete el exterior de su diseño de la manera que desee. Los personajes pueden estar afuera, en el bosque o adentro.
- Coloque sus nombres y fechas en la parte posterior de la lámina.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
Los siguientes videos están alojados en YouTube y pueden eliminarse sin previo aviso.
Los siguientes videos están alojados en YouTube y pueden eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
El siguiente video está alojado en YouTube y puede eliminarse sin previo aviso.
Rachel Simpson
BIO SOON TO COME
Teaching Experience
TEACHING EXPERIENCE SOON TO COME
Teaching Philosophy
PHILOSOPHY SOON TO COME
Lesson Plans
Exploring Natural Wood Finishing Techniques
Grades: k-4th.
This engaging and hands-on course aims to introduce participants to the captivating world of wood finishing using natural materials. Through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, students will discover the art of enhancing wood surfaces and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of wood species. By exploring techniques such as staining, gilding, and patination, students will unleash their creativity and develop valuable skills in artistic expression.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Session 1:
- Differentiate between various wood species, including maple and cedar, by identifying their unique characteristics, textures, and aromas.
- Recognize and describe the concept of spalting in wood and understand how fungi contribute to spalting.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic staining techniques, using water-based wood stains, to achieve desired color variations on wood surfaces.
Session 2:
- Explore the art of gilding by applying metal sheets and other materials to wood, creating visually appealing and intricate designs.
- Practice patination techniques using brushes, rags, and other materials to develop unique surface textures and effects.
- Applying previously learned techniques, have students customize their magnetic photo board.
Number of Sessions Required: 2
Length of Each Session: Two Hours
Total Project Time: Four Hours
Janet Lehwalder

Janet is a self-taught artist who has been working on silk for years. Her work includes fine art paintings, quilted silk comforters, and some wearable pieces. Teaching is also an important part of her work. Janet teaches silk painting classes around the state in community colleges, public schools, commercial shops, her own studio, and for private groups.
Teaching Experience
Janet is an experienced classroom teacher in both public and private schools and has also provided enrichment classes in silk painting and other arts and crafts for students from kindergarten to adult ages. She offers classes where everyone designs and paints their own projects and has also organized large group projects, such as quilts and banners, that have been used for display or fundraising.
Teaching Philosophy
Janet never ceases to be amazed at the natural eye for beauty that her students express in their work. She believes that silk painting is such an easy, fluid medium that beginners are able to create beautiful pieces right from the start. Her part is to provide some basic tools, an opportunity, and the encouraging space to go ahead and experiment.
Artist Profile Video
Lesson Plans
3 Hour Lesson Plans (For Grades 1-5)
Silk Painting:
Painting on silk is fun and easy! A great way to learn color mixing and creative composition. Complete soft, lustrous artwork for play, display, or gifting. In this 3-hour workshop, students will paint on silk fabric using permanent silk dyes. Two projects are offered. You can choose “Flags,” 11” hemmed squares that can be flown like a flag, framed, or used in a variety of ways. Or “Hoops,” which are silk pieces stretched in 10” wooden hoops that are easy to hang. The whole process is demonstrated to the group, then everyone paints their own piece at their own speed. A design is traced onto the silk with a resist and then the colors are painted on with a brush. Within the resist lines, they flow and blend in beautiful and surprising ways. You can choose a theme, or everyone can just work from my giant collection of patterns.
12 Hour Lesson Plans (For 5th Grades Only)
All School Projects
Silk Banner Project:
In this permanent art installation project, each student and teacher learn to paint on silk by doing a small personal painting. Then each class designs a large banner around a theme chosen by the school. Finally, the class, in small groups, paints their banner, which is hung in the school. The banners are colorful, meaningful, and easy to hang and maintain.
Janet Oakley
Janet has loved history since she first read pioneer stories in fourth grade. She strives to bring her passion to elementary children through the arts and crafts of the time periods they study in school. Janet has a Bachelor’s degree in History, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Weaving and Textile Arts, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has written third grade social studies curricula for the Bellingham, Meridian, and Mount Baker School Districts as well as for national parks. Each year, Janet runs a historic 1891 school on Fidalgo Island for 3rd to 6th graders, bringing 19th century learning to 21st century kids. Her motto: History rocks!
Teaching Experience
Janet has over 30 years experience teaching hands-on history to students, including 11 years at the Bellingham School District’s Conservation Site, workshops in schools, and through her work as Curator of Education at the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner. She is a certified teacher and has been a substitute teacher at the elementary and high school levels since 1982. In addition to traditional classroom settings, Janet has taught in parks, at historic sites, and for all-school historic events. She has taught for Western Washington University since 1995.
Teaching Philosophy
Janet believes that children understand concepts and processes by doing them. She thinks that understanding the process of how things work or are made helps students appreciate the people they study in their history courses. Whether doing traditional food-ways, writing on a slate, making a hornbook, or deciphering a 19th century math book, students gain appreciation of craft, the patience and perseverance crafts require, and recognize craft functionality through these living history experiences.
Artist Profile Video
Lesson Plans
- Early Schools in Washington Territory
Description Early settlers took great pride in their schools. In 1861, the first public school on Bellingham Bay was started not far from the current location of the Bellingham Farmer’s Market. This living history program uses a PowerPoint presentation, artifacts, and hands-on learning stations.
Station #1Reading and Writing in the 19th century
Students use the handwriting system of the period to write on slates and work in a copy book they’ve made.
Station # 2 Measure Up
Students make a math book, figure out the “nails” measuring system, and do some problems using this method.
Station #3 Thaumatrope: A popular toy in the 1850s.
Students will make a thaumatrope, then sample replicas of 19th century toys.
Station #4 Animals of Washington state: innovative teachers in the 19th century created their own lessons on nature
In one station, students make a math book, figure out the “nails” measuring system, and do some problems using this method. In another station, students use the handwriting system of the period to write on slates and work in a copy book they’ve made. A third station allows them to create a pioneer toy. The 4th station explores identifying wildlife encountered in early Washington Territory.
Number of Sessions required 1 Length of each Session 2 hours max. The workshop can be adapted for two or more classes participating on the same day by doing a group presentation to all classes involved, followed by breakout sessions for the learning stations presented to one class at a time.
Space and equipment requirements: A computer and an LCD projector for a PowerPoint presentation. If an LCD is unavailable, an overhead projector can be used. The workshop is presented in four stations that may be in one classroom or in different rooms. A table is needed for each station.
Materials needed and cost The artist supplies copybooks, slates, a hammer, nails, string, a math book, ink, and pens. The school provides scissors and pencils. Materials cost: $45.00 for one classroom. Additional classrooms for the workshop meeting on the same day will be $20.00 more.
- Pioneers in the classroom
Description: The Homestead Act opened up the West, bringing in settlers even during the Civil War. Early settlers in Washington Territory faced many obstacles in setting up their homes. They had to
Station #1 Butter Me Up Butter was important food.
Students learn to churn and wash butter made with whipping cream and make a butter book.
Station # 2 Down on the Back Forty
Students will learn about how pioneers and homesteading, then map out their own homestead
Station #3 Bag It
Students will learn about preserving herbs and then make an herb bag
Station #4 Keeping up friends.
Students will make an autograph book
Number of Sessions required 1 Length of each Session 2 hours max. The workshop can be adapted for two or more classes participating on the same day by doing a group presentation to all classes involved, followed by breakout sessions for the learning stations presented to one class at a time.
Space and equipment requirements: A computer and an LCD projector for a PowerPoint presentation. If an LCD is unavailable, an overhead projector can be used. The workshop is presented in four stations that may be in one classroom or in different rooms. A table is needed for each station.
Materials needed and cost The artist supplies copybooks, slates, a hammer, nails, string, a math book, ink, and pens. The school provides scissors and pencils. Materials cost: $45.00 for one classroom. Additional classrooms for the workshop meeting on the same day will be $20.00 more.
Kathy Harvey
Kathy is a life-long artist, educator and caregiver. Throughout her career she has designed, directed and facilitated creative learning programs with children, teens and adults. Since making Bellingham her home, she’s found great joy supporting students and teachers through the common core curriculum by way of creative arts and critical thinking. She develops enriching lesson plans independently or in collaboration with educators as needed. By taking into account the unique and diverse needs of each school, each classroom, and each child, Kathy is able to cultivate effective and inspiring learning experiences.
Previously, Kathy has conducted after school arts programs with elementary school students during her time as an RN working in Pediatric Intensive Care Units. She has also worked as a group facilitator directing the creation of murals and various art projects with children in schools, homes, camps, including Promise2Kids —a camp for foster children. Kathy has additionally integrated arts programs into her work with hospice patients and their families.
Kathy is inspired by the friendly nature of people in Bellingham and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She still works as a painter creating custom pieces for clients near and far. In her spare time she loves being with her daughter Emilie and family, hiking, exploring, and, of course creating!
Key Skills
- TAT Certified (Teaching Arts Training)
- Creative arts integration with elementary Core Curriculum
- Acrylic painting
- Watercolor painting
- Collage with mixed media
- Pastel
- Found object collage
- Healing arts
- Group arts facilitation for all ages
- Custom art commissions
Lesson Plans For 3 Hour and 12 Hour Sessions
Bellingham Promise Creations: Students will select from a variety of provided quotations and discuss how they relate to the Bellingham Promise. They will then write their own quote or poem creation on the back of a piece of watercolor paper and respond on the front with watercolors, felt pens or chalk. They will then share and work together to create a large collage piece relating to the same subject.
The Elements through Painting and Writing: 5 elements of energy will be reviewed: light, heat, sound, motion, and electricity. We will utilize a variety of watercolors, felt pens and other supplies for warm ups and final project. Students will explore together experiences they have with various forms of energy. They will document with writing and painting with final opportunities to share.














