Fall Leaf Chalk Pastel Art – So Easy For Kids
Are you looking for a fun, simple chalk pastel drawing idea for Fall? Leaves are the perfect subject matter for creating exciting drawings!
Whether you want to draw multiple leaves to complete your Autumn scene or just one leaf, this easy leaf art idea is fun for all ages!
Why You Will Love This Art Idea
Supplies you’ll need
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*After years of experience with all sorts of black construction papers, this brand is a must. You can do this project with any size. Some examples in this lesson are 6″ x 9″ and 9″x 12″. For younger children (1st graders and younger might even do best on 12″ x 18″ paper).
Fall Leaf Chalk Art Tutorial With Glue Outlines
Step 1: Sketch With A Pencil
This is an optional step. Sometimes, it is better to draw with glue, as this forces children to avoid adding too much detail.
- Keep your leaf drawing simple, or better yet, draw from observation.
- You can also trace multiple leaves on a larger paper for fun composition.
Step 2: Outline The Drawing With Glue
Carefully use a glue bottle to outline the drawings and main lines with glue. Keep the tip of the glue bottle touching the paper and draw quickly.
Step 3: Let Dry
Depending on the thickness of the glue line, it may take a few hours to completely dry.
Step 4: Add Chalk Pastels
Our favorite way to add color to glue drawings on black paper is with chalk pastels. The glue resists the chalk and acts like an outline.
You can add Fall colors however you like, but we used yellow on the inside, followed by orange and red. When you have completed the warm colors, blend them with a clean finger.
RELATED ART IDEA – How To Make A Fun Pumpkin Chalk Art
Step 5: Spray Drawings
If you are using chalk pastels, spray them with a workable fixative.
Tips
- School glue works well but may not have as much relief as you would like.
- Glue-All is a thicker glue that doesn’t spread out as much. This is an excellent option for older kids because it is not as washable.
- Make sure to lay your glue drawings completely flat to dry. Most drying racks have a tilt, and the drawings will drip or smear.
- Practice blending warm-colored oil pastels or chalk pastels before working on this Fall drawing project.
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Our Favorite
Related Fall Art Ideas
The best part about this Fall leaf chalk art project is that it is simple enough for any beginner to create.
Colorful Fall Chalk Pastel Drawing
Equipment
- Pencil
Supplies
- Black construction paper
- Chalk pastels
- Bottled glue
Instructions
- Before You Begin: Choose a simple leaf shape or collect real leaves for kids to draw from observation. Oil pastels or construction paper crayons can also be used instead of chalk pastels.
- Sketch the Leaf: Lightly draw a simple leaf shape with a pencil. You can draw one large leaf, multiple leaves or use real leaves for inspiration.
- Outline With Glue: Carefully trace the leaf and its main lines with bottled glue. Keep the glue bottle tip touching the paper as you draw for better control.
- Let the Glue Dry: Lay the artwork completely flat and let the glue dry for several hours, or until it's completely clear and hardened.
- Add Chalk Pastels: Add warm fall colors inside the dried glue outlines. Try layering yellow, orange and red chalk pastels to create colorful fall leaves.
- Blend: Gently blend the chalk pastel colors together with a clean finger. The dried glue will resist the chalk and create raised outlines.
- Spray the Drawing: Have an adult lightly spray the finished chalk pastel artwork with workable fixative, if desired.
Notes
- We recommend this project for 2nd grade and up, although it can be modified for younger artists. Drawing with glue instead of sketching first can encourage kids to simplify their leaf shapes.
- Keep glue drawings completely flat while drying to prevent the glue from dripping or smearing.
- Thicker glue can create a more noticeable raised outline.
- Let students practice blending warm colors before starting their final artwork.
- Oil pastels or construction paper crayons are good alternatives if you don’t want to use chalk pastels.