First Grade's Under the Sea Mural
A Study In Color
by Shelley Schoby, K-2 Art Specialist
The Under the Sea mural that first grade created was the result of a two-part art lesson. In the first part of this lesson, students were introduced to the German artist Franz Marc and his painting, The Large Blue Horses. Using Mr. Marc’s artwork as a colorful example, students were led to understand that artists use colors to express their feelings. Students then drew realistic or make believe animals by combining their basic shapes. Next students mixed primary colors together to make secondary colors. Detailed patterns were painted on sea animals. Finally, students cut the extra paper away from their animals.
The second part of this lesson was to create a huge picture called a mural. Students created sketches of what might be found under the sea. Mrs. Schoby transferred one idea from each child’s sketch onto large pieces of paper. First grade students then painted collaboratively on their class mural. Each section of first grade painted their own mural which was later joined together to make a united first grade mural. To complete the lesson, primary and secondary painted sea animals were mounted on the mural.
