Second Grade Monster Portraits

Second graders have been exploring texture, pattern and watercolor resist. For this quick project, we created monster portraits. We were inspired by the work of Jim Henson. We looked at many of his monster-like creatures and noticed how they often included textures, crazy colors and silly details.

To create their own monster portrait, students began by using black oil pastel. They first created the outline of their creature. Next, they colored in the whole background black, allowing the finished monster to stand out. They used colored oil pastel to add texture, pattern and details. Finally, they painted their work using watercolor. Because watercolor resists oil pastel, the paint did not cover their drawing, but instead allowed their line work to show. Here are a few finished examples, but check for more on Digication:

Happy Halloween!