The Imaginary Garden: Lines, Colors & Shapes

5 to 9 yrs 1 hr 1 Session or 1 hr 2 Sessions

In this lively, hands-on art class, young artists will explore how simple lines, shapes, and colors can be used to observe the world around them and invent something entirely new.

We’ll begin with form drawing, a quiet, focused practice where students learn to follow flowing lines, curves, and patterns across the page. This warm-up builds hand control, spatial awareness, and a sense of calm before moving into more expressive work.

From there, students will learn to recognize and draw a wide variety of lines, shapes, and visual textures — noticing how these elements appear in nature, especially in the unique patterns and forms found in plants.

Using observation skills, students will sketch real plants and natural textures, paying attention to details like leaf shapes, seed pods, and flower petals. Then, combining their observations with imagination and a sense of play, students will invent an extraordinary plant of their own design — one that could only exist in their minds.

To bring their ideas to life, students will work with oil pastels, learning how to mix primary colors to create secondary colors, and how to layer and blend to create vibrant textures and rich, unexpected shades.

What We’ll Explore:

  • Form drawing to develop hand-eye coordination, focus, and a sense of flow

  • Observing and drawing a variety of lines, shapes, and visual textures

  • Mixing primary colors with oil pastels to discover new color combinations

  • Practicing close observation of plants and natural objects

  • Inventing an imaginary plant using observation, exaggeration, and creativity

  • Creating a finished oil pastel drawing full of color, pattern, and texture

All Materials will be supplied.

We’ll be working with some messy (and fun!) materials, so we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little creative with. Smocks or aprons are totally optional—but they can be a great extra layer if you’d like!

Please read our Information and Cancellation Policy.

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5 - 10 yrs Print, Play & Imagine: A Collagraph Printmaking Exploration

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Color Stories: A Waldorf Watercolor Journey 5-9 yrs Where imagination flows and colors come alive