If you’re wondering how to teach students how to draw and color with oil pastels, today’s video tutorial is designed to do just that. I adore tulips and used them as a subject to demonstrate how easy it is to use oil pastels. The project requires minimal supplies that delivers maximum student engagement.

Inspired by Paul Cézanne’s painting, Tulips in a Vase, this Springtime project is the perfect way to show your students the magic of blending oil pastels

Pastels are quite possibly the most important art product I use in my art room. They deliver a vibrant color with hardly any effort. Plus are great for drawing patterns over paint & paper and can be used to help children draw big.

In this project, students will learn the simple steps to drawing spring tulips in a vase or pot and use blending and shading techniques to bring their flowers to life.

Teacher Tip: If you are budget conscious, take comfort in knowing I only buy the cheapest oil pastels available and they always work well for me.

Watch a quick video tutorial here…

Click the yellow button below to DOWNLOAD the free drawing handout for Oil Pastel Tulips, as well as this months February Freebie Pack. Just add your name and email and we’ll send it straight to you! (We recommend using Chrome or Safari for this download!)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

– White sulphite paper

– Oil pastels

– Tulip Drawing Guide

THE DRAWING

Begin sketching your design with a light oil pastel color. I used a yellow oil pastel with the intention that if blended with another color, the tulip will remain a lovely warm cast.

Draw 4-5 tulip petals first (refer to handout) but before adding stems and leaves, draw the pot at the bottom of the paper.

Once the leaves and stems are added, look at composition to see if there needs to be any additional tulips or leaves.

Start coloring with light colors, layering darker colors over top to add shadows. Use a white oil pastel to blend the colors together.

Add texture by scraping away some of the top layer to expose the lighter color underneath. To do this, color with a light color over the paper. Color over the light color with a darker color. Use the back of a paint brush or wooden dowel to etch away veins or even patterns.

Using the side of the oil pastel can help to color in the large areas.

Use a black oil pastel to lightly outline the tulips and leaves to add contrast.

Have you done this lesson? I’d love to hear how the instructions worked for you or if you tried a new technique with oil pastels.

I create many other detailed instructional videos within the Sparklers Membership Club where you can also get more detailed lesson plans including National Core Art Standards, Assessment Checklists, full length instruction videos and plenty other art lessons plans to choose from.

For more information on joining, sign up to our waitlist HERE.

Click the button below to DOWNLOAD the February Freebie Pack for more fun art lesson you can use this month! (We recommend using Chrome or Safari for this download!)

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