This Procreate-based digital art lesson plan combines artistic exploration with digital skills and aligns with Texas TEKS standards (Fine Arts & English Language Arts), offering an engaging and educational experience for elementary students.

Creating a digital art project blending the styles of Henri Rousseau and John James Audubon using Procreate is a fantastic way to engage children in art while incorporating Texas TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards. This lesson plan is designed for upper elementary grades (4th-5th) and assumes students have access to iPads or tablets with Procreate installed. The focus will be on combining Rousseau’s jungle scenes with Audubon’s detailed bird illustrations. Studying artists like Henri Rousseau and John James Audubon in elementary school holds significant scientific importance as it fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world and artistic expression.

Observation Skills: Both artists emphasized the need for keen observation and attention to detail in their work. Encouraging elementary school students to analyze Rousseau’s lush landscapes or Audubon’s precise bird studies can cultivate important scientific skills such as observation, pattern recognition, and documentation.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Studying these artists bridges the gap between art and science, demonstrating how creative expression can be a valuable tool for scientific exploration. It encourages students to appreciate the intersection of art and the natural world, fostering a holistic approach to learning and scientific inquiry from an early age.

Nature & Art

Creative Explorations in Procreate®: ROUSSEAU & AUDUBON

Level: 4th-5th Grade, Duration: 5 Class Periods (60 minutes each)

Art Supplies

• iPads or tablets with Procreate installed
• Apple Pencil
• Visual examples of Rousseau and Audubon’s work

Fine Arts TEKS

• 4.1A – Observe and describe the subject matter in artworks.
• 4.2A – Identify and describe how the subject matter is organized in an artwork using the principles of design.
• 5.1A – Compare the subject matter in artworks and identify the differences and similarities.
• 5.2A – Analyze how the use of color and symbols can convey the cultural perspective of the artist.

English Language Arts and Reading TEKS

• 4.8A – Discuss the purposes for listening and adjust communication accordingly.
• 4.8B – Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.
• 4.16A – Make predictions about content, purpose, and organization of increasingly complex texts.
• 4.16B – Ask relevant questions, seek clarification, and locate facts that resolve the uncertainty when reading.
• 5.2A – Explain how various authors’ writing about the same topic can reflect different viewpoints.

Objectives:

• Students will be able to analyze the styles of Henri Rousseau and John James Audubon.
• Students will be able to create a digital artwork that blends Rousseau’s jungle scenes with Audubon’s bird illustrations using Procreate.
• Students will be able to discuss the cultural and artistic perspectives represented in their artwork.
• Students will be able to engage in peer critique and discussion about their artworks.

Day 1: Introduction

Artists’ Works & App

1. Begin by introducing Henri Rousseau and John James Audubon, discussing their backgrounds, artistic styles, and notable works.
2. Show examples of Rousseau’s jungle scenes and Audubon’s bird illustrations. Discuss the differences and similarities between their styles.
3. Introduce the Procreate app, its basic tools, and demonstrate how to navigate the interface.

Day 2: Sketching

Research & Sketching

1. Provide samples of Audubon’s bird illustrations and Rousseau’s jungle scenes as reference material.
2. Ask students to select a specific bird and jungle plant from Audubon’s and Rousseau’s works as inspiration for their project.
3. Instruct students to create a rough digital sketch in Procreate that combines their chosen bird and plant, taking inspiration from both artists’ styles.

Day 3: Refining

Finalizing Sketch

1. Have students refine their sketches, adding more details and ensuring their composition blends the two styles effectively.
2. Guide students to create a digital background that complements their composition, considering the lush jungle settings from Rousseau’s work.
3. Encourage them to use Procreate’s layering features to separate the background and the main subject.

Day 4: Painting

Brushes & Settings

1. Provide time for students to carefully paint their blended composition using Procreate’s brushes and color palette.
2. Encourage them to experiment with various brush settings to achieve desired textures and effects.
3. While painting, discuss the cultural and artistic perspectives represented in their artwork and how they integrated elements from both artists.

Day 5: Reflection

Critique & Assessment

1. Have students share their digital artworks with peers.
2. Facilitate a discussion about the differences and similarities between their artworks and the styles of Rousseau and Audubon.
3. Ask students to reflect on their artistic choices and the message or story conveyed in their artwork.
4. Provide constructive feedback during the peer critique session.

Extensions

1. Organize a virtual art gallery where students can display their digital artworks online.
2. Invite a local artist or art historian to discuss the works of Rousseau and Audubon and provide feedback on students’ projects.
3. Explore additional digital art techniques, such as layer effects and blending modes, to further enhance their compositions.