Art Supply Shopping List for Art Teachers – Affiliate Links
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When I landed my first teaching job, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when it came time to order art supplies. I was given a $3,000 budget, which sounded like a lot at first, but it disappeared quickly once I started purchasing quality materials for my students.
Over the years, I’ve learned that some supplies are absolutely worth the investment. For example, I never compromise on the quality of colored pencils because they make such a difference in student success and the final artwork. On the other hand, there are plenty of materials where I don’t see the need to purchase professional studio-grade products for a classroom setting.
We’ve noticed that one of the most common questions we receive is, “What art supplies should I order?” To make back-to-school prep a little easier, we’ve created shopping lists for each of our curriculum units with recommended supplies from both Amazon and Blick Art Materials. We’ve also organized many of our favorite classroom essentials into an easy-to-browse Amazon Storefront.
Our goal is to take some of the stress out of supply ordering so you can spend less time researching products and more time preparing for an amazing school year. We’ll continue updating these lists and our storefront as we create new art resources and discover classroom favorites.
We hope these resources save you time, simplify your planning, and help make this your best school year yet. Happy teaching!
unit-by-unit art supply lists:
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Paint Palettes TPT Link to: DIY Paint Palette Project Air Dry Clay Art Lesson, Middle & High School Important Concepts Covered: dry clay vs. Kiln Fired; 3D Art; Functional Art; Paint Palette: Wells, Mixing area, rims; Air Dry Clay Techniques: Slip and Score, Coil, Subtractive vs. additive methods, slip; Clay tools: Needle tool, loop tools, rolling pins; acrylic paint techniques; varnish/ resin- clay glaze; craftsmanship Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Line, Shape, color, Form, balance, Texture, Space. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Crayola Air Dry clay (or clay of your choice) Various Clay tools: rolling pins, needle tools, loop tools, shaper tools, cutting tool, etc. Boards for working with clay: Chipboard (cheap option), silicone mats, canvas covered boards, etc. Plastic/ freezer bags (for slowing down the drying process) Water cups & Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Scissors Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes & Palettes (or cardboard scraps) Gesso (or any primer) Aukney Clay Glaze (or any waterproof sealer) Sketchbook (Optional) | Crayola Air Dry clay (or clay of your choice) Various Clay tools: rolling pins, needle tools, loop tools, shaper tools, cutting tool, etc. Boards for working with clay: Chipboard (cheap option), silicone mats, canvas covered boards, etc. Plastic/ freezer bags (for slowing down the drying process) Water cups & Paper towels Pencil & eraser Scissors Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes & Palettes (or cardboard scraps) Gesso (or any primer) Aukney Clay Glaze (or any waterproof sealer) Sketchbook (Optional) |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Shadows & Skulls TPT Link to: Dip Pen & India Ink Wash Painting Techniques, Shadows & Skulls High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering India Ink techniques including: washes, Layering, dry brush, wet-into-wet, etc.; the Art History of Skulls; the Grid Method; composition; realism; light logic: Cast shadows, midtones Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Value, line, composition, unity, Harmony, contrast, texture, Space/ depth, balance. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | India Ink (black and/or colored) Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen Paint brushes Cups for water Palettes Paper towels India Ink extras: sponge, tape, salt, alcohol, etc. Pencils &Erasers Ruler Suggested Final Paper: 140lb 8” x 10” watercolor paper Skulls & cameras (optional) Sketchbook (optional) | India Ink (black and/or colored) Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen Paint brushes Cups for water Palettes Paper towels India Ink extras: sponge, tape, salt, alcohol, etc. Pencil & Erasers Ruler Suggested Final Paper: 140lb 8” x 10” watercolor paper Skulls & cameras (optional) Sketchbook (optional) |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Connections TPT Link to: Organic, Abstract Watercolor Painting, Kandinsky -Middle & High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Watercolor techniques including: washes, Layering, soft and hard edges, color blends, etc.; experimentation; the advantages of using a Limited Color palette; Art History: Wassily Kandinsky and Abstract Art: Non-Objective vs. Objective art; Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: organic shapes, pattern, contour line, composition, unity, Harmony, balance, color, value **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint brushes palettes Cups for water Paper towels Microns/ Fine tip pens/sharpie, etc Crayons (white or light work best) Colored pencil (Prisma is recommended) salt Rubbing alcohol Masking tape and/or Frisk (masking fluid) Sponges or tissue paper Worksheets printed on white cardstock Cardstock, watercolor paper, and/ or sketchbooks Pencils | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint brushes Palettes Cups for water Paper towels sharpie, Microns/ Fine Tip Pens, etc Crayons (white or light work best) Colored pencil (Prisma is recommended) salt Rubbing alcohol Masking tape and/or Frisk (masking fluid) Sponges or tissue paper Worksheets printed on white cardstock Cardstock, watercolor paper, and/ or sketchbooks pencils |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked Spaces TPT Link to: Architecture Watercolor Painting, Pen, Ink Drawing, Tim Burton – High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Watercolor techniques including: washes, Layering, soft and hard edges, color blends, etc.; contour line; Fantasy; WHimsical; Creativity; Impossible architecture; Art History- Tim Burton & Gary Frederick Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Vertical lines, Geometric Shapes, composition, unity, color, value, space **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) palettes Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Pencil & Eraser Microns/ Fine tip pens, Sharpies, etc Black India Ink (optional) Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen (optional) 1” Masking Tape Final Paper: 8” x 14” watercolor paper, 140lb Colored pencil (optional) Pencils | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Palettes Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Pencil & Erasers Microns/ Fine Tip Pens, Sharpies, etc Black India Ink (optional) Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen (optional) 1” Masking Tape Final Paper: 8” x 14” watercolor paper, 140lb Colored pencil (optional) pencils |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor Fruit Fusion TPT Link to: Watercolor Line and Wash Fruit Still Life, Illustration Drawing, High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Watercolor techniques including: Line & Wash, color blends, layers, etc.; contour line; Realism; Art History- Children’s Book Illustrators: Quentin Blake, Arnold Lobel, Ludwig Bemelmans, Beatrix Potter; Dip Pen; India Ink; Subject matter; composition; tangents; hatching; cross-hatching; grid drawing; “beyond the border”; etc. Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Line, Value, Contrast, Composition, Color, Unity, texture, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint brushes palettes Cups for water Paper towels Microns/ Fine tip pens, sharpie, etc Crayons (white or light work best) Colored pencil (Prisma is recommended) salt Rubbing alcohol Paper towels Masking tape and/or Frisk (masking fluid) Sponges or tissue paper Cardstock, watercolor paper, and/ or sketchbooks Pencils Yupo paper (optional) | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint brushes Palettes Cups for water Paper towels sharpie, Microns/ Fine, Tip Pens, etc Crayons (white or light work best) Colored pencil (Prisma is recommended) salt Rubbing alcohol Paper towels Masking tape and/or Frisk (masking fluid) Sponges or tissue paper Cardstock, watercolor paper, and/ or sketchbooks Pencils Yupo paper (optional) |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor Nature Mosaics TPT Link to: Nature Mosaic Watercolor Painting, Alma Thomas, Middle & High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Watercolor techniques including: soft and hard edges, color blends, etc.; Art History: Mosaics; Landscape- foreground, middle ground & Background; nature Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Geometric shapes, pattern, composition, unity, color, value, rhythm, space **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Palettes Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Suggested Final Paper: 140lb 9” x 12” watercolor paper 1” Masking tape Watercolor paper for project demo (optional) Sketchbook (optional Pencils | Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Palettes Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Suggested Final Paper: 140lb 9” x 12” watercolor paper 1” Masking tape Watercolor paper for project demo (optional) Sketchbook (optional pencils |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| The Color Grid TPT Link to: Unconventional Color Wheel, Color Grid, Mixing, Theory, Middle & High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Paint techniques, color theory, color mixing, Tint, shade, Hue, Intensity, Value, Theme, Grid, Complementary colors, Primary, secondary, tertiary colors, craftsmanship. Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Color, Value, Balance Composition **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Tempera Paint (or Acrylic if desired) Primary colors Black & White Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Palettes (or Pieces of cardboard) 12”x12” Final paper (suggestion: white tagboard or a heavy duty paper of choice) Rulers Pencils Erasers Black Sharpies 3 oz cups with lids (optional- for paint distribution) White cardstock (optional- for color theory paint worksheet) Sketchbook (optional) | Tempera Paint (or Acrylic if desired) Primary colors Black & White Paint brushes Cups for water Paper towels Palettes (or Pieces of cardboard) 12”x12” Final paper (suggestion: white tagboard or a heavy duty paper of choice) Rulers pencils Erasers Black Sharpies 3 oz cups with lids (optional- for paint distribution) White cardstock (optional- for color theory paint worksheet) Sketchbook (optional) |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reflections TPT Link to: Acrylic Painting Techniques, Abstract Water Reflections Project, High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Abstraction; Water Reflections; Learning & mastering Acrylic Painting techniques including: paint Mixing & matching, Clean edges, Opaque vs. Transparent, value blends, etc.; planning/ brainstorming; grid method; Composition; Art History: Samantha French Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: line, Shape, Color, Value, rhythm, movement, contrast, Unity, Harmony **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) (bottles or tubes) Paint brushes Paint palette Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & eraser Canvas or acrylic paper (size 16×20” is suggested) Ruler White Cardstock Varnish (optional) Sketchbooks (optional) | Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) (bottles or tubes) Paint brushes Paint palette Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Canvas or acrylic paper (size 16×20” is suggested) Ruler White Cardstock Varnish (optional) Sketchbooks (optional) |
| Units & links: | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Posterized Pet Portrait Paintings TPT Link to: Posturized Pixel Pet Portrait Acrylic Vector Painting- Middle & High School Art Important Concepts Covered: Learning & mastering Acrylic Painting techniques including: Mixing, Clean edges, Opaque vs. Transparent, etc.; Posterization; Photo editing; Pet Portraits; Composition; the advantages of using a Limited Color palette; Art History: Andre Schulze. Elements of art and Principles of Design addressed: Unity, Harmony, Shape, Color, Balance, Value **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) (bottles or tubes) Paint brushes Paint palette Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Square Canvas or acrylic paper (size 12”x12” is suggested) Ruler White Cardstock Sketchbooks (optional) | Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) (bottles or tubes) Paint brushes Paint palette Cups for water Paper towels Pencils & Erasers Square Canvas or acrylic paper (size 12”x12” is suggested) Ruler White Cardstock Sketchbooks (optional) |
High School, Art 1 Curriculum, Semester 1
Read this blog! Art 1 Curriculum for High School
| Units & links: (in consecutive order) | Blick Materials | Amazon Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Handmade/ Hand-Sewn Sketchbooks: Theme: “What is Art” Collage→ (functional Art Piece to be used throughout the year) TPT Link to: Handmade Sketchbook “What is Art” Unit. Important Concepts Covered: “What is Art?”, collage, sketchbooks, sewing, book binding, design, Mod Podge, organization, craftsmanship, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Book Pages: 12X9 (folded) Chipboard: cut to 7X10 Binding tape Modge podge glue Binding string Scissors Glue sticks Needles Construction Paper Scrapbook Paper Magazines Old Paint Brushes for Mod Podge | Book Pages: 12X9 (folded) Chipboard: cut to 7X10 Binding tape Modge podge glue Binding string Scissors Glue sticks Needles Construction Paper Scrapbook Paper Magazines Old Paint Brushes for Mod Podge |
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| 2. Street Art Portfolios: (Functional Art piece to hold student’s work for the year) TPT Link to: Street Art Portfolio Important Concepts Covered: Portfolios, organization, street art, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, stencil art, name design, animal symbolism, spray paint/ printmaking techniques, implied line, negative/ positive shapes, chalk pastel, markers, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Portfolio: 2ply Tagboard 36X24 (2 pieces per student) Stencils: 2ply Tagboard, 9 X 12 Tracing paper: 9X 12 Modge podge glue spray paint OR Acrylic Paint for sponge painting Markers Sharpies X-acto knives X-acto blades Scissors cutting mats Microns/ Fine tip pens Yard stick Pencils Animal pictures | Portfolio: 2ply Tagboard 36X24 (2 pieces per student) Stencils: 2ply Tagboard, 9 X 12 Tracing paper: 9X 12 Modge podge glue spray paint OR Acrylic Paint for sponge painting Markers Sharpies Xacto knives Xacto blades Scissors cutting mats Microns/ Fine Tip Pens Yard stick Pencils Animal pictures |
| 3. Optical Illusion Art: (we use this as our 1st semester side Project: Introduce this at the beginning of the semester, students work on this during free time, if they finish an assignment early, when they have a sub, etc. and it’s due at the end of the semester.) TPT Link to: OP Art Drawing Unit Important Concepts Covered: Optical Illusion art, Line, implied 3D form, Value, colored pencil techniques, Blending, etc. Important Concepts Covered: Optical Illusion art, Line, implied 3D form, Value, colored pencil techniques, Blending, etc. | 9×12 Paper Pencils Microns/ Fine tip pens/ Sharpies Prismacolor Pencils Prisma blenders (optional) | 9×12 Paper Pencils Microns/ Fine Tip Pens/ Sharpies Prismacolor Pencils Prisma blenders (optional) |
| 4. Basic Drawing Skills & Wyland: TPT Link to Wyland Digital Sketchbook Lesson Video explaining the Wyland Digital Sketchbook Lesson Important Concepts Covered: Drawing basics, gesture lines, contour lines, blind contour, Value, Geometric shape, organic shape, composition, realism, negative space, Robert Wyland, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | 9X12 White Drawing Paper Prismacolor Pencils Pencils Shading Pencils Erasers Blending stumps Ball point Pens, Microns/ Fine tip pens Rulers and/or Triangles Sea animal Reference images (optional) or access to internet for inspiration | 9X12 White Drawing Paper Prismacolor pencils Pencils Shading Pencils Erasers Blending stumps Ball point Pens/ Microns/ Fine Tip Pens Rulers and/or Triangles Sea animal Reference images (optional) or access to internet for inspiration |
| 5. Perspective FantasyScapes & Surrealism: TPT Link to LInear Perspective Fantasyscape Drawing Unit Alternate, smaller Unit: TPT Link to: 1 point perspective Art Museums Lesson Important Concepts Covered: Linear Perspective: 1pt, 2pt & 3pt, Line: Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, orthogonal, parallel, perpendicular, contrast, pattern, texture, surrealism, Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Frida Kahlo, pen techniques: cross-hatching, scumbling, hatching, stippling, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Drawing Paper: 18X12 Large Paper for Vanishing Points: 18X24 (scratch Paper) Yard stick 12” Ruler Triangles Pencils Erasers Microns/ Fine tip pens Ball point Pens Sharpies Sharpie Chisel Tip Marker – Black (optional) Prismacolor pencil (for Museum Lesson Only) | Drawing Paper: 18X12 Large Paper for Vanishing Points: 18X24 (scratch Paper) Yard stick 12” Ruler Triangles Pencils Erasers Microns/ Fine Tip Pens Ball point Pens Sharpies Sharpie Chisel Tip Marker – Black (optional) Prisma colored pencil (for Museum Lesson Only) |
| 6. Still Life: (3 mini Projects- Traditional, Glass & Fruit) TPT Link to the UNIT: Direct Observation Still Life Drawing: “3-projects in one” TPT link to the single project unit: Traditional Still Life in Black Charcoal TPT link to the single project unit: Glass Still Life in white Charcoal on black paper TPT link to the single project unit: Cut Fruit Still Life in oil pastel Important Concepts Covered: Still Life, light logic, value, basic shape, negative space, sighting, perspective, foreshortening, form, drapery, charcoal techniques, oil pastel techniques, monochromatic color, composition, etc. | Pencils Erasers Pencil Erasers (optional) Compressed charcoal White Pastels (optional) Charcoal pencils white/black Grey Paper cut to 9”x12” Black Erasers Sharpeners Blending stumps Chamois (Cut into shareable pieces) Oil Pastels Sticks for scratching Color pencils White drawing paper cut to 8X8 White charcoal White chalk pastels Black Drawing paper 9X6 Access to a camera & still life objects. | Pencils Erasers Pencil Erasers (optional) Compressed charcoal White Pastels (optional) Charcoal pencils white/black Grey Paper cut to 9”x12” Black Erasers Sharpeners Blending stumps Chamois (Cut into shareable pieces) Oil Pastels Sticks for scratching Color pencils White drawing paper cut to 8X8 White charcoal White chalk pastels Black Drawing paper 9X6 Access to a camera & still life objects. |
TPT Link to: 1st Semester Art 1 Curriculum – 6 units + Pre-instruction & Midterm
High School, Art 1 Curriculum, Semester 2
| 7. POP Art Unit: (we use this as our 2nd semester side Project: Introduce this at the beginning of the semester, students work on this during free time, if they finish an assignment early, when they have a sub, etc. and it’s due at the end of the semester.) TPT Link to: POP Art Drawing Unit Important Concepts Covered: POP art, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Marker techniques, Grid Drawing, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating & Connecting | White Paper cut to 20 X 22 (2” Grid) Red Sharpies Sharpies Markers Pencils Erasers Yard stick Prismacolor pencils Pop Art images View finders (optional) | White Paper cut to 20 X 22 (2” Grid) Red Sharpies Sharpies Markers Pencils Erasers Yard stick Prismacolor pencils Pop Art images View finders (optional) |
| 8. Expressive Self Portraits & Chuck Close: in Charcoal and Graphite TPT link to: Expressive Self Portraits Important Concepts Covered: Portraits, expression, value, form, grid drawing, contrast, charcoal & graphite techniques, composition, light logic, photorealism, chuck close, balance, symmetry, proportion, scale, face mapping, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting. | 9X12 White Drawing Paper Black Charcoal Shading Pencils Pencils Erasers Blending stumps Pencil Erasers (optional) Rulers View Finders (optional) | 9X12 White Drawing Paper Black Charcoal Shading Pencils Pencils Erasers Blending stumps Pencil Erasers (optional) Rulers View Finders (optional) |
| 9. Hero Project in Tempera Paint: TPT Link to: Hero Project Important Concepts Covered: Grid Drawing, impressionism, pop art, realism, color theory, monochromatic, analogous, contrast, complimentary, painting techniques, tempera paint, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Tempera paint: Red, blk, wht, blue, yellow Railroad board: 28X24 (2” Grid W/2” border) Paint brushes Paint palettes with lids Yard stick Pencils Erasers View finders Hero Pictures Portion cups (optional) Plastic bags (optional) | Tempera paint: Red, blk, wht, blue, yellow Railroad board: 28X24 (2” Grid W/2” border) Paint brushes Paint palettes with lids Yard stick Pencils Erasers View finders Hero Pictures Portion cups (optional) Plastic bags (optional) |
| 10. Fauvism Landscapes: in Oil Pastel TPT Link to: Fauvism Landscape Unit Important Concepts Covered: Landscape, foreground, middle ground, background, painting techniques, oil pastel techniques or chalk pastel techniques, composition, fauvism, Matisse, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Paper: 12 X 9 Oil pastels or Chalk pastels Tempera paint Paint brushes Paint palettes with lids Pencils Erasers Sticks for scratching Landscape pictures | Paper: 12 X 9 Oil pastels or Chalk pastels Tempera paint Paint brushes Paint palettes with lids Pencils Erasers Sticks for scratching Landscape pictures |
| 11. Non-Objective Acrylic Painting: TPT Link to: Non-Objective Musical Painting Unit Important Concepts Covered: Abstract art, non-objective art, Kandinsky, acrylic paint techniques, music, emotions, color theory, layering, transparent vs. opaque, line, shape, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Acrylic Paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes Any size Canvas board or Acrylic Paper Water cups Circle templates/Stencils Pencils Erasers Headphones/access to music Cardboard or paper plates for palettes | Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes Any size Canvas board or Acrylic Paper Water cups Circle templates/Stencils Pencils Erasers Headphones/access to music Cardboard or paper plates for palettes |
| 12. 3D Art History “In the Round”: TPT Link to: Architectural Letter Sculpture Unit Important Concepts Covered: 3d Art, Art in the round, sculpture, additive vs. subtractive method, balance, papier-mâché, 3d building techniques, creativity, gesso, Acrylic painting techniques, problem solving, innovation, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Cardboard Newspaper 4oz cups or toilet paper rolls Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes Cardboard or paper plates for palettes Water cups Papier-mâché (Wheat paste) Blender for mixing Papier-mâché Bowls Papier-mâché Box cutter 0r X-acto knives, X-acto blades, cutting mats Scissors Flexible Chipboard strips for edges straight cardboard strips for edges Pencils Gesso Gesso Brushes or old brushes tape Various craft materials | Cardboard Newspaper 4oz cups or toilet paper rolls Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Paint brushes Cardboard or Paper plates for palettes Water cups Papier-mâché (Wheat paste) Blender for mixing Papier-mâché Bowls Papier-mâché Box cutter 0r Xacto knives , Xacto blades, Scissors, cutting mats Scissors Flexible Chipboard strips for edges straight cardboard strips for edges Pencils Gesso Gesso Brushes or old brushes tape Various craft materials |
| 13. Art History Animals: in Chalk Pastel TPT Link to: Art History Animals UNIT Important Concepts Covered: Art History, review of past art movements studied through the year, Chalk Pastel techniques, composition, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Chalk pastels Pencils Erasers Pastel pencils (optional) Pastel Paper 12 X 18 Pencil Erasers (optional) | Chalk pastels Pencils Erasers Pastel pencils (optional) Pastel Paper 12 X 18 Pencil Erasers (optional) |
TPT Link to: 2nd Semester Art 1 Curriculum – 7 Units
High School, Art 2 Curriculum, Semester 1
Read this blog! Art 2 Curriculum for High School
| Units & links: (in consecutive order) | Materials from Blick | Materials from Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Zentangle Sketchbook Design in metallic sharpie on Black bound sketchbook (functional Art Piece to be used throughout the year) TPT Link to: Sketchbook Project, Negative Space Zentangle Covers Important Concepts Covered: Sketchbooks, Organization, craftsmanship, zentangles, pattern, negative/positive space Line, shape, contrast, etc. For another Sketchbook option, see…. Handmade/ Hand-Sewn Sketchbooks: Theme: “What is Art”→ TPT Link to: Handmade Sketchbook Lesson Manual | Pencils Erasers Metallic Sharpie (silver works best) Black bound sketchbook … or… Two pieces of 9”x12” black construction Paper/ Tagboard 3 binder rings per student 3-hole puncher Laminator Zentangle handouts/ reference images | Pencils Erasers Metallic Sharpie (silver works best) Black bound sketchbook … or… Two pieces of 9”x12” black construction Paper/ Tagboard 3 binder rings per student 3-hole puncher Laminator Zentangle handouts/ reference images |
| 2. Printmaking & Portfolios: (Functional Art piece to hold student’s work for the year) TPT Link to: Collagraph Printmaking and Portfolios Unit Important Concepts Covered: Portfolios, organization, portfolio building techniques, printmaking history, collagraph printmaking, radial balance, radial design, additive vs. subtractive method, plate, matrix, contrast. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | A variety of items with different textures (we use Matte Board and Cardboard) X-acto knives X-acto blades Scissors cutting mats Acrylic Paint or printmaking ink Elmer’s glue or hot glue/ Glue Sticks Modge podge glue Paint brushes, brayer, and/or sponge brushes 6”x6” rigid surface, either cardboard or matte board Printing paper (12”x12”) Portfolio paper: Portfolio: 2ply Tagboard 36X24 (2 pieces per student) Yard stick Pencils | A variety of items with different textures (we use Matte Board and Cardboard) Xacto knives Xacto blades Scissors cutting mats Acrylic Paint or printmaking ink Elmer’s glue or hot glue/ Glue Sticks Modge podge glue Paint brushes, brayer, and/or sponge brushes 6”x6” rigid surface, either cardboard or matte board Printing paper (12”x12”) Portfolio paper: Portfolio: 2ply Tagboard 36X24 (2 pieces per student) Yard stick Pencils |
| 3. Text Portrait: (we use this as our 1st semester side Project: Introduce this at the beginning of the semester, students work on this during free time, if they finish an assignment early, when they have a sub, etc. and it’s due at the end of the semester.) TPT Link to: Text Portrait Drawing Unit Important Concepts Covered: Value, text value, contrast, grid drawing, portraits, composition, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Rulers for grid Ball point Pens, Sharpie, Microns/ Fine tip pens, etc. 11” x 14” drawing paper | Pencils Erasers Rulers for grid Ball point Pens, sharpie, Microns/ Fine Tip Pens, etc. 11” x 14” drawing paper |
| 4. Photorealistic Still Life in colored pencil: TPT Link to: Photorealistic Still Life in Colored Pencil Unit Important Concepts Covered: Photorealism, still life, composition, perspective, color value, colored pencil techniques, light logic, negative space, sighting, basic shape, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Pencil sharpeners Rulers Charcoal pencils white/black Popcorn- for mini project black construction Paper Light sources Styrofoam cups Still life objects for reference 9” x 12” drawing paper Prismacolor Pencils (recommended!) White gel pens | Pencils Erasers Pencil sharpeners Rulers Charcoal pencils white/black Popcorn- for mini project black construction Paper Light sources Styrofoam cups Still life objects for reference 9” x 12” drawing paper Prismacolor Pencils (recommended!) White gel pens |
| 5. Watercolor Unit: 2 projects in one unit! TPT Link to: Watercolor Unit Realistic Flowers & Non-Objective Art Important Concepts Covered: watercolor techniques, washes, color blends, wet on wet, Georgia O’Keeffe, realism, Sonia Delaunay, abstract, non-objective, orphism, color balance, rhythm, movement, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Rulers & shape templates Black paper 8”x8” 9”x9” watercolor paper 9” x 12” watercolor paper Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint palettes with lids Paint brushes & water cups Painters tape Various supplies for watercolor techniques: salt, crayons, rubbing alcohol, sponge, etc. | Pencils Erasers Rulers & shape templates Black paper 8”x8” 9”x9” watercolor paper 9” x 12” watercolor paper Watercolor (palettes or tubes) Paint palettes with lids Paint brushes & water cups Painters tape Various supplies for watercolor techniques: salt, crayons, rubbing alcohol, sponge, etc. |
| 6. Recipe Zine TPT Link to: the Collaborative Recipe Zine Project Important Concepts Covered: Zine, design, composition, collaboration, unity, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating | Pencils Erasers Rulers 8” x 10” or 9”x12” drawing paper Medium: Student choice Ex: watercolor, marker, pen, colored pencil, digital, etc. | Pencils Erasers Rulers 8” x 10” or 9”x12” drawing paper Medium: Student choice Ex: watercolor, marker, pen, colored pencil, digital, etc. |
| Art 2 Midterm/ Benchmark/ Final: TPT Link to: 3 different finals: Art Midterm/final bundle TPT Link to Single Project: Art Midterm/Final Still Life **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Responding | Mixed Media (teacher choice!) |
TPT Link to: 1st Semester Art 2 Curriculum – 6 units! + Pre-Instruction & Midterm
High School Art 2 Curriculum, Semester 2
| 7. India Ink Unit: Magic Morphing Animals: TPT link to: Surreal Animals in Ink Wash Unit Important Concepts Covered: India Ink techniques, dip pen techniques, cross hatching, hatching, stippling, line work, washes, surrealism, hybrid: animal into object, creativity, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Tracing paper Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen Black India ink Colored india ink (optional) Paintbrush Paint palettes with lids 11” x 14” bristol board or watercolor paper Various supplies for techniques: salt, crayons, rubbing alcohol, sponge, etc | Pencils Erasers Tracing paper Dip pen Holder/ Nib/ calligraphy pen Black India ink Colored india ink (optional) Paintbrush Paint palettes with lids 11” x 14” bristol board or watercolor paper Various supplies for techniques: salt, crayons, rubbing alcohol, sponge, etc |
| 8. Pointillism Portrait: (we use this as our 1st semester side Project: Introduce this at the beginning of the semester, students work on this during free time, if they finish an assignment early, when they have a sub, etc. and it’s due at the end of the semester.) TPT Link to: Pointillism Project Drawing Unit Important Concepts Covered: Pointillism techniques, color vs. black and white, stippling value, portraits, impressionism; Georges Seurat, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Connecting | Pencils Erasers Rulers for grid Reference image Ball point Pens, Sharpie, Microns/ Fine tip pens, etc. Colored sharpies (optional) 9×12” drawing paper | Pencils Erasers Rulers for grid Reference image Ball point Pens, sharpie, Microns/ Fine Tip Pens, etc. Colored sharpies (optional) 9×12” drawing paper |
| 9. Acrylic Unit: If an Artist went on Vacation TPT Link to: If an Artist Went on Vacation Acrylic Unit Important Concepts Covered: Acrylic paint, opaque vs. transparent, Space, color theory, landscape, foreground, middle ground, background, landmarks, artist research and history, painting techniques, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils & Erasers 12” Rulers, compasses, and/ or pre-made color wheel templates (circles, half circles, pie, etc) Sketchbooks or Sketchbook paper Tempera Paint (for color mixing practice) Cardboard or bristol board (for Color wheels) Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Acrylic Paper and or canvas (any size) for final landscape painting Paint brushes, cups for water, paper towels, etc. Extra: for more examples, use the book “IF Picasso went on Vacation” | Pencils & Erasers 12” Rulers, compasses, and/ or pre-made color wheel templates (circles, half circles, pie, etc) Sketchbooks or Sketchbook paper Tempera Paint (for color mixing practice) Cardboard or bristol board (for Color wheels) Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Acrylic Paper and or canvas (any size) for final landscape painting Paint brushes, cups for water, paper towels, etc. Extra: for more examples, use the book “IF Picasso went on Vacation” |
| 10. Art History Figure Drawing TPT Link to: Art History Inspired Figure Drawing Unit Important Concepts Covered: Figure drawing, life drawing, anatomy, proportions, scale, surrealism, art nouveau, art deco, creativity, problem solving, composition, medium free-choice **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Paper size: 11”x14”… Need Multiple paper styles according to what students are using If wet medium: Watercolor paper, acrylic paper, cardboard, etc. If Dry medium: Drawing paper, bristol board, tag board. etc. Materials: So many options! Decide what students can use in your classroom Medium Examples: Graphite, charcoal, oil and chalk pastels, markers, colored pencils, acrylic paint, watercolor, india ink, etc. | Pencils Erasers Paper size: 11”x14”… Need Multiple paper styles according to what students are using If wet medium: Watercolor paper, acrylic paper, cardboard, etc. If Dry medium: Drawing paper, bristol board, tag board. etc. Materials: So many options! Decide what students can use in your classroom Medium Examples: Graphite, charcoal, oil and chalk pastels, markers, colored pencils, acrylic paint, watercolor, india ink, etc. |
| 11. Oaxacan 3D Paper Mache Sculptures TPT Link to: Oaxaca Alebrijes Sculpture Unit Important Concepts Covered: Oaxacan sculptures, history of Alebrijes, pattern, mexican folk art, acrylic paint, sculpture techniques, hand-building techniques, armature, paper mache, gesso, in the round, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | Pencils Erasers Papier-mâché (Wheat paste) Blender Bowls and water cups Box cutter, X-acto knives X-acto blades, cutting mats Painters tape Wire, newspaper, Cardboard, etc Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Gesso Paint brushes Paint palettes & Water cups Various craft materials Chipboard strips | Pencils Erasers Papier-mâché (Wheat paste) Blender Bowls and water cups Box cutter, Xacto knives, Xacto blades, cutting mats Painters tape Wire, newspaper, Cardboard, etc Acrylic paint (we use Blickrylic & Crayola premium acrylic) Gesso Paint brushes Paint palettes & Water cups Various craft materials Chipboard strips |
| 12. The Passion Project– Great end of the year Project!–> This is the FInal!!! TPT Link to: The Passion Project Unit Important Concepts Covered: Mixed Media, Experimentation, Practice, Documentation, Reflection, Passion, Choice, Theme, Series, etc. **Meets the National Visual Arts Standards for: Creating, Presenting, Responding & Connecting | -Mixed Media (Student/ teacher choice!) |
TPT Link to: 2nd Semester Art 2 Curriculum – 6 Units bundle!
We know there’s already enough on your back-to-school to-do list, so we hope these supply lists make one part of your planning a little easier. Be sure to check back often as we’ll continue adding new units, resources, and classroom favorites. Happy teaching!
If you are an AP® Art and Design teacher, Check out our blog on Developing a Successful AP® Art and Design Curriculum!
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