A Summer Art Project That Will Have you Roaring
If you’re looking for that perfect summer art project, we’re here to give you something to roar about. In fact, I’d be lyin’ if I said I didn’t. (Okay, I think I’m done.)
Kids love imagining that they have animal guests where they’re headed for vacation, and animals doing silly things.
When I did this project with my own kids, I told them them to imagine the wind blowing through the lion’s mane, and the lion standing on the beach. I think in my head I was channeling Baywatch – anyone remember that show?
Of course, they decided to take it their own direction, as kids always do.
My younger kiddo informed me that her lion had no time for surfing or standing on the beach – he wanted to swim.
And my older daughter told me that her lion was too busy enjoying the smoothie stand.
So whatever your lion gets up to – one thing’s for certain – this is a summer art project certain to be a ton of fun.
Scroll all the way down and click the banner to download the FREE PDF – or if you’d like, just click play on the video below. Get ready to paint the summer away!
Surf's Up Video Lesson
What you'll need:
- 12×18 or 9×12 white sulphite or mixed-media paper
- Black oil pastel or black crayon
- Liquid tempera, cake tempera, or watercolors in these colors
- Black
- White
- Yellow
- Brown
- Blue
- Colors for the surfboard
- Optional: gold or bronze for a nice shimmer
Surf's Up! Instructions
When drawing the lion, make sure to leave room for the surfboard on one side of the page.
The lion head is simple, and drawn with simple shapes. Describe the head as a heart that isn’t closed.
Add the ears and then move on to the mane.
It’s fun when drawing the mane to think about what the beach air might be doing – which way is it blowing the mane? (And is this lion getting sand in its face?)
Then add the body using larger paws – and don’t forget the tail! I did once, and my kids won’t let me forget it!
Use the remaining space to draw a surfboard, giving it a pointy top and a flat base. Decorations can be drawn on, or painted directly on. Because kids are painting with tempera, remind them to keep the designs large.
Add a horizon line to separate the beach from the water, and another to separate the water from the sky.
Let's mix those colors!
White, black, yellow, brown, and blue are the main colors of the piece. If you have gold or bronze, you can add that to give the lion's coat a shimmer. You'll also need pink for the nose and ears - and any colors for that surfboard!
When painting the lion, use different color combos by double loading the paintbrush. This means putting two colors of paint onto the brush at the same time.
One thing double loading does is give the color a beautiful variety of colors – unlike mixing the paint before painting.
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- For multi image, insert a gallery and customize captions.
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- For multi image, insert a gallery and customize captions.
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- For multi image, insert a gallery and customize captions.
Use two different shades of blue to paint the water and the sky.
Then give that surfboard some flair!
When finished, use black to give the lion sunglasses, outline the lion, board, and the horizon lines.
And then get ready to hit the waves!
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- Teacher sample
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- Student, age 10
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- Student, age 7
Ready to hit the beach with the kids near you – literally or with paintbrush in hand?
Click the banner below to download the FREE pdf.
We would love it if you’d share!
Don’t forget to tag us at @soulsparklettes on social media if you make this summer art project with your kids or students – we love to see what you create!
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