Autumn leaf Monoprints Are Perfect for Diverse Age Group Art Classes

Butterfly Monoprint Acrylic on Foam Core $250.00 by Lou Breimon

I went into the Library to check supplies for my next art class when the head librarian explained that they needed me to do a simpler class because many younger children were coming in. Hmmmm... I always welcome the game 3 year-old into my art class, however, they usually paint or draw there own picture and the experience of being in the class and using the medium is big for them. 

These kinds of workshops usually have a diverse age group but; now I was being asked to design a workshop that would teach art and be interesting to kids from toddler to teen. Autumn is my favorite season. I love the leaves blazing on the trees. This class would have to be leaf monoprints. 

With leaf monoprints children can work according to their own personal age level and art experience while learning to mix colors and create designs. A three-year-old surprised me by adding hand prints in a beautiful earthy sienna that she had mixed herself. It was a concept that the whole class took off with.  Below is a supply list for a class of 20 that can be adapted in many ways according to one's budget. 

• 20 large sheets of construction paper ( I used yellow.)
• Scratch paper
• 30 fresh (not dried) medium sized leaves with strong veins.
• 2 or 3 different colors of Tempera Paint (Red, Brown, Orange for example.) Tempera is inexpensive and the project does take quite a bit of paint. Also, tempera has a great texture that goes well with the project.
• Larger size paint brushes. I used1 inch flat brushes

First have the kids fold their construction paper in half and re-open it.Use the scratch paper to paint the backs of the leaves on...then have them print 1/2 of the paper with the painted leaves. They will need to repaint the leaf several times to get strong prints. When they have completed 1/2 of the paper, have them fold it over carefully then press and rub the paper. Then re-open the paper to reveal the monoprint. 

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