Students delve into their creative side while exploring the art potential within our forest! After gathering their own natural materials, students finish by creating artwork based on the work of British nature artist, Andy Goldsworthy.
What’s Covered
Throughout this class, students revel in the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest while discussing and experiencing what it means to be an artist and the value of creative expression. After examining images of art installations by nature artist Andy Goldsworthy, students search the natural environment for potential elements of visual art, such as colors, lines, shapes, textures, value, form and space.
Students then apply the artistic concepts learned as they gather materials to create their own designs out of nature, deciding whether to construct abstract, representational or non-representational art. After installing their artwork, the class finishes with a gallery walk and presentation of their peers’ designs.
Lessons & Activities
Color Wheel & Vocab Exploration
Intro to Andy Goldsworthy
Earth Art Creation
Educational Standards
California State Content Standards:
- 5-1.2: Identify and describe characteristics of representational, abstract and nonrepresentational works of art.
- 5-2.5: Assemble a found object sculpture or mixed media two dimensional composition that reflects unity and harmony, and communicates a theme.
- 6-1.1: Identify and describe all the elements of art found in selected works of art (e.g. color, shape/form, line, texture, space, value)
- 6-2.5: Select specific media and processes to express moods, feelings, themes or ideas.
- 7-4.1: Explain the intent of a personal work of art and draw possible parallels between it and the work of a recognized artist.
- 8-2.5: Select a medium to use to communicate a theme in a series of works of art.
Ready to Get Started?
Accelerate your students’ learning with our exciting curriculum. Learn more about this hands-on, experiential education activity today.