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      Virtual Art Activities

      Leaf Prints

      This fall, we’re starting to notice changes happening all around us in nature. Did you know trees that seasonally drop their leaves are called deciduous? Deciduous means “falling off at maturity,” which include trees that shed their leaves each year, like oak, maple and birch trees. Venture outside to collect fallen leaves for this project, then create shapes and textures through art making with leaves. If you’re curious about the types of trees that your leaves came from, download the iNaturalist app to any mobile device and begin discovering great information about trees and nature in general.

      Supplies
      • Leaves
      • Colored markers
      • Paint
      • White paper
      • Large paintbrush or sponge
      • Cardboard or other surface to use as a palette
      • Masking or painter’s tape (optional)


      Instructions

      PRINTING

      Step 1: Collect fallen leaves outside.

      Step 2: Gather plain white paper, colored markers and leaves.

      Step 3: Choose a marker and color the veiny side (underneath) of your leaf or leaves.

      Step 4: Once satisfied with the color, place the leaves colored side down on your paper and press with your fingers to transfer the color. Peel up your leaf to reveal the colorful print. Repeat these steps until your paper is filled with leaf prints.


      PAINTING

      Step 1: Gather more leaves, white paper, paint, either a large paintbrush or sponge, a surface for a painting palette and tape (optional).

      Step 2: Pick out a few leaves in varying sizes to fill your paper.
      Tip      : You can use the tape on the bottom of your leaves to hold them in place while you paint around them.

      Step 3: Once your leaves are arranged, pour paint in the colors of your choice onto your palette. Use your brush or sponge and, with one color at a time, begin stippling paint around your leaves. (Stippling is a technique where you dab or dot with paint, over and over, rather than dragging the brush in strokes).

      Step 4: Repeat the stippling method until you are satisfied with the colors on your painting. Carefully remove the leaves to reveal your outline leaf painting.
      Tip      : You may want to wait until the paint is dry to avoid smearing the paint.

      Explore more of our #PEMfromHome Drop-in Art Activity video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

      Show Us!

      We want to see your leaf art. Share your photos using #PEMpod or #peabodyessex.