Dolphin Paintings

After my recent trip to the Florida Keys and a visit to the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Florida, I was inspired to teach my 2nd grade students about these amazing mammals.  We spent time discussing dophin facts, with videos from National Geographic Kids and some pictures I took while on my trip.  My students were very excited and many of them were able to contribute to the discussion from their own facts they had learned. 

Before the first class period was over, we went through a step by step process to draw a dolphin.  I encouraged them to practice drawing one during their free time until the next art class. 

The students created crayon drawings of the dophin and it's surroundings.  We discussed creating a scene for their dolphin.  Was it underwater, up in the air, in an aquarium, etc.  Students added realistic colors to their dolphins and other details with crayon. 

The final step was to paint the entire paper with blue watercolor paint.  The watercolor resists the oil in the crayons and leaves a very neat result.  The students and I were thrilled with how well their paintings turned out!