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Home » Blog » Nature Study and Art For Your Homeschool: Dogwood Nature Study and Chalk Pastel Sketches

in Free Pastel Tutorials· HomeSchooling

Nature Study and Art For Your Homeschool: Dogwood Nature Study and Chalk Pastel Sketches

We had been noticing the dogwood blossoms for a full week as we went back and forth, in and out of the neighborhood and thought it was time to take an up close look. It was time for a dogwood nature study and chalk pastel sketches.

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir

A dogwood nature study and chalk pastel sketches

The pink dogwoods, across the street at the park, called to us to stop and enjoy. So, late one afternoon, after the yard chores, we walked up to the front of the neighborhood.

Nature Study and Art For Your Homeschool: Dogwood Nature Study and Chalk Pastel Sketches

And we looked up close at the dogwood blossoms. These that had started to fade already. We enjoyed the glorious spring day. Walked back home and stayed out until sundown. Because the days are growing longer and the mosquitoes have not quite caught up with us yet.

Spring came early in our part of the world this year. A full three to four weeks early as far as perennials and flowering trees go.

noticing the dogwood blossoms for a full week as we went back and forth, in and out of the neighborhood and thought it was time to take an up close look. It was time for a dogwood nature study and chalk pastel sketches.

A couple weeks later, after the dogwood all had their summer coat of leaves, we pulled up an up-close photo and studied. What we noticed most was the intricate detail of the green middle.

We sure are enjoying our pastel trays. They are easy to pull out and place for everyone to reach the colors.

Dogwood Chalk Pastel Sketches

We pulled out the chalk pastels and we sketched. The sketching made us notice even more. Look at the little curve on the end of each petal. The lines of color each petal holds. The varying shades of green!

Nana came after work that day and we asked her to show us how she would create a pink dogwood blossom. We watched as she started with dark purple and she layered colors to create the depth of each petal.

We smiled at how long Lil’ Buddy sat with her and was intrigued.

He even added some beautiful pink lines to her finished dogwood. That little hand – a precious picture for always.

Then the rest of the children were ready to start by drawing the basic dogwood shape with a deep pink pastel stick.

Next, the blending of pink to fill in the colors. Adding details as Nana did, using a darker pink. Adding in the various greens of the dogwood center. Plus choosing a color for a background, filling it in and blending or ‘fisting’. Remember to add the details you notice to make your dogwood blossom your own.

Here are all of our sketches. From top, L to R: Mine, Nana’s, by nine-year-old. Bottom: by 14-year-old, by 12-year-old and by six-year-old.

So, do you see? First our eyes were open to the blossoms, then we went for a walk to investigate. Finally, our sketching helped us appreciate the details and notice even more.

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.  ~George Washington Carver

Do you and your artists learn best with a video art lesson? You will enjoy Nana’s Spring and other Nature video art lessons in the You ARE an Artist Clubhouse!

Featuring You! You ARE an Artist!

So, paint your dogwood chalk pastel sketch and be sure to share with us! Simply tag @chalkpastelart on social media, use the #YouAREanArtist hashtag, or upload a photo to the ChalkPastel.com Facebook page!

  • A note on chalk pastels: Pastels are an easy, forgiving medium. Fun for children and adults alike! Details on the pastels and paper we use, how and where to purchase, and links to all of Nana’s other pastel lessons are in Our Favorite Chalk Pastels. A simple set is very affordable. Nana also teaches acrylic lessons.
  • The practical aspects of a mess: Pastels are blessedly messy. We always have baby wipes close by to wipe hands. We wear something we don’t mind getting stained or don a smock.
  • You might also like Train Your Students to See Nature and Chalk Pastel Nature Journaling.

-originally published April 2012.

Related

Filed Under: Free Pastel Tutorials, HomeSchooling Tagged With: dogwood, nature studies, outdoor hour challenge

About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barb-Harmony Art Mom says

    April 29, 2012 at 6:09 AM

    I love your quotes! Spring did come early to your part of the world and you were smart to capture some close-ups for your pastel project observations.
    We are just seeing our blooms (right on schedule for the official challenge). Now I need to go look at ours to see the delicate colors we have in our blossoms. Ours are not so pink but a creamy yellow and white.
    Thank you so much to all your family for sharing your study and project with the OHC.

    Reply
  2. Phyllis says

    April 29, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    So, so beautiful. Thank you so much for another pastel tutorial. Nature Study and art work hand-in-hand because they both require one to pay attention. CM would love it.

    Reply
  3. Hodgepodgemom says

    April 30, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Barb – I know your dogwood is gorgeous – I love the creamy white blossoms too. Phyllis – I agree – so much beauty to pay attention to.

    Reply
  4. Lanaya says

    May 2, 2012 at 5:33 AM

    I love your tutorials ~ I’m eager to try some with my kids. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Hodgepodgemom says

      May 2, 2012 at 8:30 AM

      Looking forward to you joining us Lanaya!

      Reply
  5. Zonnah says

    May 10, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    I love the pink tinged dogwoods!

    Reply

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