The state of Georgia is ranked No. 2 in the nation in cotton production. In 2014, our farmers grew and produced 2.32 million bales of cotton and brought in $936 million in this heritage crop! So, a Georgia cotton boll chalk art tutorial is a fun way to enjoy some history, nature and some agriculture.
Cotton does have a rich history in Georgia, as the cotton gin was first patented by Eli Whitney here in 1793! Let’s honor Whitney by painting a cotton boll!
Pick out the following colors of pastels: rusty medium brown, dark brown, dark yellow and a pretty sky aqua. If you have a white pastel, you may want to use it last in your painting to accent your boll.
Turn your paper horizontally and begin by using your medium brown to draw a free-flowing and easy full-grown cotton boll. To my eye, it looks a bit like a trumpet flower with a deep throat in the middle. There are some stamens coming out of the middle of the boll, all the way to the edge. These are also in medium brown with a touch of dark yellow and dark brown on the edges. There are some dried leaves at the edges of the boll that are also brown.
Because I did not have a white pastel available (I have my Great American pastels, the outdoor assortment) I just smudged in the brown and left most of the sections of the boll white. If you do have a white pastel…go for it, and put some white in the main sections of the boll!
Now, you cannot leave this beautiful cotton boll out in the middle of a big white sheet of paper, so use your aqua or whatever sky color that you wish to surround the boll in some outside color!
You might even decide to make an entire field of cotton! Under that Georgia summer sky – complete with rows of Georgia red clay. Just make dots of white and rows and rows of cotton.
What a wonderful job you have done! Not only did we learn about cotton bolls, but you have carefully painted a great picture! Be sure to sign it in the corner, flip it over and name it and date it…share with your friends and family about Georgia’s crop of cotton! And always remember: You ARE an artist!!
Featuring You! You ARE an Artist!
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- 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 (100+ free lessons now) are all contained in the post 100+ Free Art Lessons for All Ages plus the video The Very Few Must Have Supplies for Chalk Pastel Art. 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.
- Encouragement: You Can Be an Artist! 10 Day series and Art for All Ages 10 Day series
- Be sure to subscribe to our Hodgepodge YouTube channel for free video art tutorials
More Georgia Chalk Art
- Georgia Peaches Chalk Art Tutorial
- Georgia Civil War Cannon Chalk Art
- St. Simons Island: Avenue of Oaks Chalk Art Tutorial
- Coca-Cola Chalk Art
- American Landmarks: Art for All Ages
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